tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125605022024-03-14T19:57:44.208-04:00my thoughts exactlylife, liberty, and the pursuit of claritymorninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.comBlogger1239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-72355404490088525912024-01-01T00:01:00.006-05:002024-03-11T16:38:24.956-04:00viewing reviews 2024<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeCynX-KA8PPum1fLYLVk7o2z_vpii-ZLTnZMfBmTh_UPMzRcq87zw7WpC1DBEUBqxM-HEaGriNo-OAKCX_ACuXCl52fpMstORaEQLQV5MQGsYRN30isdo18auS6yG-WVDyPD75rViTgnQV4Mdfidley_AzsgVTuYj8hpq1DjcZsipK8PRGmL/s960/viewing%20in%202024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="960" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeCynX-KA8PPum1fLYLVk7o2z_vpii-ZLTnZMfBmTh_UPMzRcq87zw7WpC1DBEUBqxM-HEaGriNo-OAKCX_ACuXCl52fpMstORaEQLQV5MQGsYRN30isdo18auS6yG-WVDyPD75rViTgnQV4Mdfidley_AzsgVTuYj8hpq1DjcZsipK8PRGmL/w640-h434/viewing%20in%202024.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Do you have any hobbies? Uh, yeah, I try to watch all the shows, apparently. Here we go.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wonderful_Story_of_Henry_Sugar_(film)" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0ZSDI4A5C0dtalOdbu9ffH6S4_RrK9xk23FTBU1aL_4-l08uSF3rlP7rKEo9HzhEgCQxUs-4e6-5WeHvXh45LYz1wc5OUall3zUU7e6Lz3_PuD8grzwmUfYHvptvWkTJPbRt5XYuGwdJoZFtukRcxi6MfLSrKZ_Az-izznx9NlImH_5jn5p_/s320/MV5BZjJjYzkyNWMtZTM2My00YWQ3LWJiODktMzc5YjhlNGY1Mjg5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>26. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wonderful_Story_of_Henry_Sugar_(film)" target="_blank">The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>Here we had Wes Andersen Wes Andersening pretty damn hard. This was entertaining and quirky, as WA is known to be, and as clever as one would expect of an old Roald Dahl story. Super fast-paced, again as WA is known to be, the story gets laid out with WA visuals and a fair amount of silliness, making for a fun 37 minutes. Did it deserve to beat all the others for the Oscar? Not in my opinion. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red,_White_and_Blue_(2023_film)" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="220" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZtLWfaH0LwcaZysNIv4Jz9dwGFzFkjmNHcx7AygxWWaHJC8dMK5Bc1Rpa3T2yeynX5CXm6J3vFB5w45n5jOSjIF3TwAHXB6UpW86bDtJ4u3kvJO2mR01YXzTWFsJjUvmgTQ43A-bfqh0aU325JFH25zLgq4bqbQWRDkyp39_V4yg2NYS0dcW/s1600/Red,_White_and_Blue_2023.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div>25. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red,_White_and_Blue_(2023_film)" target="_blank">Red, White, and Blue</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>America, man. This was fucking crushing to watch, even before the mortifying reveal. There is so much broken in our country, and we see much of it in just 23 minutes. This is a quiet film, and the tension felt by the protagonist is visceral, and I was literally on the edge of my seat. The quietness felt appropriate because there was so much left unsaid, as it too often is when it comes to women's health care and abortion needs. Just heart-wrenching. This was one of the two I was rooting for to win the Oscar.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26600054/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0N3rCjd4a4MYYwW8HBd2LiZU9beFJhsGVdqHZnNLG-wGcIQdZ5RZWLZkLem7-ujVP6HR0Eh-_LyR4SuAJARQOd1GrB_BXCQywY-mmCHh4VgqWqRTdanQRcP000J4ay71Vkzdb7v3LtUDFWifSKr7ig2DWuUTovqLZvXtW52_ommz846fw4E69/s320/MV5BNTY4MjllYWYtMGVjMi00Y2EyLTk4NjYtOGI3YTU0OGUwODgxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTI2NzYyODM3._V1_.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>24. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26600054/" target="_blank">Knight of Fortune (Ridder Lykke)</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>I gotta admit that I was a bit altered for this viewing, and I was confused by this narrative. Once I got things straightened out, I think I missed too much to make any kind of judgement. I've read a bit about the short and its intention of being a dark comedy film, which totally makes sense in hindsight. I think I'd like to watch this one again with a clear head!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invincible_(2022_film)" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbwmOq8EOcY_Vjac9ppYbsw2sVpSmUR74XMWlux955MwGzlfAJ5K9w-nqCy4bla9no5SwYx4QROUzF0bJX_c00OLhqqCKqcokTo_oTSdNydRdG8nH9y9R3AT-_21VO8y2oTbj__kY5TgqVtWv8cSOXY4qjcEyxN1UG5EXdrXlui4FVoztyPXe/s320/Invincible_Movie_Poster.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>23. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invincible_(2022_film)" target="_blank">Invincible</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>I didn't realize until I was preparing to write this that this short was based on a true story, and this was another one that was heartbreaking. Mental health issues, behavioral challenges, and the juvenile justice system come together in a story of a young kid's final 48 hours after spending a weekend at home and then having to return to the detention center. The short film serves to tell his story, not really make any statements about systems and their shortcomings, so we're just left to witness and mourn a loss.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_After_(film)" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="5031" data-original-width="3579" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-mBfkIgVk9bD8uFI6fFDgAbGIwnuvu1E4n5VEWrFV9grOzidEcYz72deJVXVFxPHUfLTdQp3I1IXAcVynEpUmDA7FGhgjKoxiS4ANdwN0IKrTL9lCWIu40GZgRHeXFS7uRMwy6zoXA4mDuttrTsuDuWB0vPPfHzjScDg_pzCI34c4XyeNK-i/s320/MV5BMzhiZDRmOTktZjNmNy00ZDYyLTk2OGUtZGJmMmFlOWRjYzFhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTc0ODU3MjY@._V1_.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div>22. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_After_(film)" target="_blank">The After</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>Jesus, this was devastating. Watching it in public was not the wisest decision, as I was audibly gasping and sobbing. In under 20 minutes, a deeply emotional narrative is established and the audience connects with a grieving man left bereft after the loss of his child and partner. The title conveys the devastation perfectly-- this space of "the after" is unimaginable for us and absolutely heartbreaking. This was one of the two I was rooting for to win the Oscar.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXzEBci6QQalZFno1-wdTBb1WuT2OENAQ2BOKvITsLa1gGEuMVvT8rVW8mJd655c4xDO5lnpmW_EUeDRL2DpMAbpfX2p6Xf6ixLUi7tRs3HNH9FlJtFC_aStVVc9PexeyGVQh9ASxvzU9plKZbQiqivr6e5ZkQ1KW-LzgTmF7TidhwstA2uVP/s281/MV5BZGY4YTg0MzMtNGFkNi00ZjZmLTkwNzgtNzQxZWU2MjUzZmUwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjk1NzAxNg@@._V1_QL75_UX190_CR0,4,190,281_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="190" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXzEBci6QQalZFno1-wdTBb1WuT2OENAQ2BOKvITsLa1gGEuMVvT8rVW8mJd655c4xDO5lnpmW_EUeDRL2DpMAbpfX2p6Xf6ixLUi7tRs3HNH9FlJtFC_aStVVc9PexeyGVQh9ASxvzU9plKZbQiqivr6e5ZkQ1KW-LzgTmF7TidhwstA2uVP/s1600/MV5BZGY4YTg0MzMtNGFkNi00ZjZmLTkwNzgtNzQxZWU2MjUzZmUwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjk1NzAxNg@@._V1_QL75_UX190_CR0,4,190,281_.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div>21. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27827402/?ref_=tt_mv_close" target="_blank">I'm Hip</a> </i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>I didn't get why this was shortlisted, and after reading some interviews with the creator, I definitely didn't understand the point he was trying to make. I thought it was just silly, with old-style animation that didn't impress me. I might not have been in the right frame of mind for it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Summon" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDDH_XaflRhJbVF0G4QkxTJ3yb40JeEZfxTWtCuPzN2daYFNYG01wa7boHXXCX4Sc4gI8myc50AjLCwMC3QQzRrluhO9UoL3T_5GUz-ZZddN1nwSVoWdkJXryt4XuEhyphenhypheniwaGDd6VB0qSZpm-9q7mzm-eAp4a0MAqdJ1j-mANc8N1G5Y7cYltT/s320/Wild_Summon_Film_Poster.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div>20. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Summon" target="_blank">Wild Summon</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>I guess this short was included as a sort of honorable mention, as it wasn't actually one of the nominees. This was a no-holds-barred statement on the terrible effects humans have had on the environment, seen from the perspective of a female salmon as she goes through her life cycle and must survive through difficult conditions. That by itself is a meaningful and important message, but I had trouble getting past the visual portrayal of the salmon itself, a mostly humanized version of a diver representing the salmon that was freaky AF. I think our group laughed at parts of this that weren't likely intended to be comical.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Is_Over!" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO0iZv9IwJj8f6Fg4Inq0fhCpfLno5_kmy0WQvvhi1qUOO3gRwhMgtd5OJgf0lTzjR6ozg1OYf3l4GO4FAOi5ublSr3nrZHCPizpjnSUwkAVME36WYMT_UdCNsGubEfsMe4kkj_d3eFRmEOYTzuWTSFqiLsqyg0rPB0EAsZhRFlQZ_qBtltyK/s320/WAR_IS_OVER!_Movie_Poster.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>19. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Is_Over!" target="_blank">War is Over!</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>Well, at first I was enjoying this one, even though it was fairly predictable and more than a bit cheesy. I guess my mind truly was on the atrocities being experienced in several places in the world right now as a result of war, and the skinny, young, scared kid who was on one side of the conflict felt like so many people I imagine suffering right now. But yes, it was super simplistic, and of course, my initial note of "I'm worried for this pigeon" was spot on. And because it was based on the music of John Lennon & Yoko Ono and was the closest of the nominees to a Pixar short, it was awarded with the Oscar. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachyderme" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ32o81anh_AgtIx4SY0LNVMnMwkERAkiO8eEqlmhH2E1ju6GYRID8cbbSU7H1gdKr-PO9m41U2t8283AjbF7KzlfCCtlny2yQy5CHa9EMGW8I8BmqsHZ3PvLcncd8-_tLk6J5CqROs_BAyzt90mZwynh65dwJj0hVp9CN23dU3dMskd6Ss7OU/s320/Pachyderme_2022_film_poster.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div>18. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachyderme" target="_blank">Pachyderme</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>The opening of this short had images of houses on a hill that brought to mind illustrations by Tomie dePaola, giving a warm and reminiscent feeling that was almost immediately joined by an uneasiness as the narrator began telling the story. The world that is experienced by the child protagonist when she stays with her grandparents is creepy and unsafe, even as she receives nothing but reassurance from the grandmother that nothing bad could possibly happen to her here. Subtly, a pattern of abuse emerges; subtly enough that I was questioning myself at first. This short was one of the two that I had hoped would win the Oscar, but unfortunately, it was not the winner.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_to_a_Pig" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcItuIGhYvKQ1zQvsN7Xve63pC86Q5LMeYdwXzcFDBcgw-bdxQJBv_Qf5qGhLlYrGVaoK41p-dPHWLCKPDOecx3CeRF47QcaV0xyzzhF4WzJh9n5WWue0rRpKRW0mDBSI3UiNux59aBgwTkjTD0EnhosWdf1oPennr55P9a6WVnsv-aNxsa25/s320/Letter_to_a_Pig_Film_Poster.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>17. 3/9/24</div><div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_to_a_Pig" target="_blank">Letter to a Pig</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div></div><div>The style here combined sketchy, moving animation with real film images, to an unsettling effect that fit with the themes of generational and community trauma. I was a bit confused by the representation that the pig played, but I got the general feeling that I believe was intended.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-Five_Senses" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="167" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg4Ut1sbtgQjyda7XvVvFDIRwn-CTLG0JiQ5NPFt2HRTkT7aWrnr1JDHLe-WEpKQ8TmJi1BxWfm7FaSp_XEAP1c0QWGeDKjYNra0xNKti82fUlVOn5gPEy6OtuAN95_KemE9kn_aoDflO2v2ZWWyFByogOKoxODvZFLDFVhRqrubsQ7Bwqk5D/s1600/95Senses.png" width="167" /></a></div><div>16. 3/9/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-Five_Senses" target="_blank">Ninety-Five Senses</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div><div>Well, this one got me crying pretty quickly. The perspective of a death-row inmate on the brink of execution is obviously intriguing, and I loved the theme of the senses and how living half your life in prison affects those senses. This individual story was heartbreaking, a stupid and impulsive decision with devastating consequences. The narrator, Tim Blake Nelson, gave an amazing performance. This short was one of the two that I had hoped would win the Oscar, but unfortunately, it was not the winner.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Uniform" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHTbEJg7hQnxb_cHXiu5vq7n8-GmBzuIm2c39qtwouqdL8hkZ53oaqF8iISNIyA5ToKzfMq-H3NdRoUFC1h-fGpcn5ttwyFmR3MekUEkf9uGsb8a4nIwpRnDVc7lX6ekKv3EIZCRJnohU33P7H4CMJGyk_RYS6I665IOxbDAdPdbqcszcoZzX/s320/Our_Uniform_poster.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div>15. 3/9/24</div><div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Uniform" target="_blank">Our Uniform</a></i></div><div>(theater- Oscar nominated shorts film festival)</div></div><div>In only 7 minutes, this animated short was quite moving, highlighting the experience of forced hijab on a young girl and showing the freeing effects of travel. I loved the animation style- stop motion over fabrics, and I was impressed with this director's debut.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30796334/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdj7PiYp1uM3ap7TT35f9_Acb-oX9GdwBSPmUquKER03lOH8A9eWYCLHD08MGAHrIJjYxE1GnI27-fcdsiihHcmjaN_jYpRflFbhmlx4V5Rmf4FGUd6xHjVPIHkS_3nmaQ6kZZSEzaJFrGTT1jNgm84E1TabhxqDBQ0kEuw30rub2aaWPpVq1I/s320/MV5BZDFmNTk4YzMtMjc3Zi00ZDI0LTgyZjUtN2QyMTRkMmEyMjhjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDc5NDc2Nw@@._V1_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>14. 3/1/24</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30796334/" target="_blank">Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>My youngest and I watched this together one night when everyone else was out. They're starting to appreciate stand-up in a way that warms my heart. We both most definitely enjoyed this special, as Taylor Tomlinson is both naturally and calculatingly funny. Her joke pacing and stage presence portray such confidence with stories being told quickly and solidly. The way she uses her face is expert-- her expressions consistently crack me up. I've also watched clips from her new gig <i>After Midnight</i>, and she's got hosting chops, too! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14524842/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVdo5UV2cw0QUuksmKT9tzRvHKa1-BtwqaD2ildYgbNLu8MVyThttEcCebTothrqKDvPo6R3OwBjgU91bqv_-RAtdZyJL_hFL0n5RBLA3iI7bwpBUjU0vSBtrJXfoF4Ll63QB6SXpEDbkuoH_9YYUdm0wwvdk3YJlhMr2fw08alg9fGjxspcr/s320/MV5BOGUzZWU0N2ItOGFkNS00OWJhLTk3ODEtNjM5NjJhYWU1Y2IzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQ3MjI1NDQ5._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div>13. 2/26/24</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14524842/" target="_blank">LOL: Last One Laughing Canada</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Well, we wouldn't have lasted more than a few minutes in this competition of trying not to laugh while surrounded by some hilariously funny Canadians. I'd never heard of this series, but it's apparently a world-wide phenomenon, and I opted to start with Canada because, duh, Mae Martin. While I won't comment on their progress in the competition, I will say that I appreciated their appreciation of their fellow comedians-- everyone in there was so damn Canadian it was the friendliest competition ever in reality television.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Martin" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoH4F8_cCh_BFXrWvGzQ4PehaUQnW7zRydRclHSRXaqfSiwX7nsaE7-0HZt7VcYKI2bdwqmELvIOkN49ErMbLvCIGlZp_wbBda8Qx_8xns3OhxxaeTp52gVX0SbN71blK8Lhur2MH13-0h2RjctkiFpcWqXx2xdzf86p1ajgtt3R6NuncXSWP/s320/MV5BMzI0NzcwNzEtMThmMS00YjY0LTk4MjQtYTBmMzg1NTNhYjk4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDk3MzMwMTI@._V1_.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div>12. 2/25/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Martin" target="_blank">Mae Martin: SAP</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Am I slightly obsessed with the work of Mae Martin right now? Sure, you could say that, because they're just brilliant. This special features them telling stories and sometimes getting sidetracked, which proves to be as funny as the original story, and shows a goofy side of Martin that is so joyful, but also gets heartfelt as they speak of their own gender dysphoria. There's vulnerability here alongside an attempt to find joy when it feels impossible. I was in awe and loved every minute.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="718" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0lCFZiBFQk4QQFU_uwPnQuu8l9I7KhA8TuqNOVcbUwZ8uWPzhvHBxzDdWDGl2_hPQjc4brVSZJagvCqCXcIc7HreBa6fUsLRBljB5HcLQhViETdmeAUvuXFaGa38up3HO1pr-QPJo7pFcZ9XyJ_DG5Qi9LA781zyPsHHUE_sEYVeQ4p1JJIH/s320/season-3.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div>11. 2/22/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls" target="_blank">Derry Girls</a></i></div><div>(Season 3, Netflix)</div><div>Yes, I watched the final season again because Hubby wasn't sure if he'd watched it, and how could I miss an opportunity for some cracker times with the old gang? Every time I watch any episode of this <span style="font-size: x-small;">(too, too, too short)</span> series, I'm in awe of just how perfect the writing and performances all were. Like, universally, everyone is top-fecking-notch. Even Dennis in his wee shop. Everyone delivers their witty lines with whiplash speed, except maybe Uncle Colm of course, and keeping up is part of the joyful viewing experience. Man, how I wish there were more episodes!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27489745/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUeOp0EPIvWchvoYMt0ybroaiV-HYx9D7Fg9CNjR1bSS8vZEPf5cBo9Uc7idplPbgsXRCfghuxBthLJVsOc8nXCD18Jy0y1WZk7E0o3o8GpFx9IvAYQlCfo-qaSpewI8uf0ML_iIYIp5-KnKN0ZNwrL988sfZgfG1TvaLXQb0y3w5tKA40fD3/s320/MV5BMTkzYmVjZjUtNzIwMi00OTFiLWE3MzAtNTNhZjk0ODYzMTY3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>10. 2/18/24</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27489745/" target="_blank">Hannah Gadsby: Something Special</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Another long-form storytelling comedian who happens to be an absolute favorite of mine, Hannah Gadsby delivers impeccable comedy in this special. Teasing the audience about having taken them (and us viewing later) on quite the emotional rides in her previous specials, Gadsby promises a "feel good show," joking several times that she didn't specify who it would feel good for as she gives striking assessments of heterosexual culture at times. She is charming and so happy here, as she speaks of her marriage and the pandemic romance of how it began, and the gestures she makes to her spouse just off-stage-- because her spouse is also her producer-- are fucking adorable. Her delivery and comedic timing have never been better, and I loved every minute.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFamA8Pl4YpxUFBjvyYyeAuhP-EEJeEfxNmElTOjS8plpqsut3KcCKllQ4MhQVwBhDBm3yKyUqGHi_lPzVRN6xrqtMPGssmdZ0f7XnaJu4TiYXBWvWC_3d8LY_vtv_cTn4OXSpdl-4snPedW8z31TaWXR6UUqSeXVd6fyr1vvU_WcwcomoEbL/s1400/MV5BOTdlN2RmNGUtMzMwZC00MWVlLWEzZDItOGM5ZmYzOTdhNmFjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDM2NDM2MQ@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFamA8Pl4YpxUFBjvyYyeAuhP-EEJeEfxNmElTOjS8plpqsut3KcCKllQ4MhQVwBhDBm3yKyUqGHi_lPzVRN6xrqtMPGssmdZ0f7XnaJu4TiYXBWvWC_3d8LY_vtv_cTn4OXSpdl-4snPedW8z31TaWXR6UUqSeXVd6fyr1vvU_WcwcomoEbL/s320/MV5BOTdlN2RmNGUtMzMwZC00MWVlLWEzZDItOGM5ZmYzOTdhNmFjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDM2NDM2MQ@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div>9. 2/17/24</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30028158/" target="_blank">Trevor Noah: Where Was I</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>I've quite enjoyed Trevor Noah's stand-up specials in the past, as I love his long-form storytelling and his ability to change voices and body language to act in character of those in his stories. This special wasn't as dynamic as his previous ones to me. Overreliance on binary gender stereotypes early in the hour annoyed me a bit, and I ended up getting distracted during other parts, as well. His bit on Germany and the way that they don't deny their history was a strong argument that he somehow made quite funny at times, but his jokes became peppered with bits that felt dismissive of some people's experiences, i.e. the violence threatened or experienced by trans folx around public bathroom usage.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cunk_on_Earth" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwATU9MiVJhFypnCgxWhzDv6tx1xl1gbPPrUfTmNlEVqToKzWJV4aXaX4nKjpywsr8GXP1poMjDUzhsaQ_Aa4FvkBvz9rwn3FGmQgxd75-IbUL4Fcu2oHv5Q5tTG-CCMK0bxTp-XTEA_W2l2LtC4GgG67uiY0exK9-BtMPnHFxC7eiJ7yv4QFK/s320/MV5BMDJiZjM0YWItZWIzMi00MDFhLTg4YjgtYmFkOTUzODlmMzhmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjI2OTgxNzY@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>8. 2/17/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cunk_on_Earth" target="_blank">Cunk on Earth</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Oh how this made me guffaw over and over again. The character of Philomena Cunk is so absurd but portrayed so seamlessly, that it's easy to forget that she's not an actual real person. As she interviews real historians and academics, asking the most ridiculous questions, it all seems so effortless on her part, but I imagine they had to work not to crack up. When one woman finally did begin to chuckle and tried to hide it, I breathed a sigh of relief, because I know I would have been dying of laughter. It's always funny to me when I actually learn a thing or two from a satirical piece, making me appreciate the delicate balance everyone had to strike in creating this entirely farcical mini-series.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_Education_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4JUbpinNvJZ7I-ntFUw4u93NZtIv67E8ELLHJPpYSpQKyFtD7_IxVM5LPmyp8pMPEOZU9YmoMs7JdIIkZyYDj99l81qsVYY8Jkl_eyC1kdk0YlRMvTOGWN3P8pb21NGuNJ6Ct0iIOKfvO4kW6XdDEnKkav9IKnycxIee8OtBCcbZefCPhBoP/s320/screenshot-2023-10-09-at-3.57.03-pm.png" width="275" /></a></div><div>7. 2/8/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_Education_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Sex Education</a></i></div><div>(Season 4, Netflix)</div><div>The first episode withstanding, I quite enjoyed the finale season of this often outrageous, and always wholly honest and open show. I appreciated that my teens had this show available to them, knowing that they recognized the absurdities and could take what they needed from the characters' experiences. This consistently made me chuckle, and I do quite adore both Asa Butterfield and Ncuti Gatwa. I'll miss this one. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchorman:_The_Legend_of_Ron_Burgundy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_au77fm7GiAxo9kKkWb8M37Sb_fmznVnlm9lSROzX7CRmChAW4qkKU49bmbzzxoUkdNkxeOxj_pUrle8LIQVdQgAskiXhddcDbkB4eTyjH5XuAfmfjzdDYpxYLaPF7hsLMByYkR0W9yMyiFRn21wi_yNxjbk2O7hfT10GccO3RgjdLYpqLzp/s320/Movie_poster_Anchorman_The_Legend_of_Ron_Burgundy.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>6. 2/3/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchorman:_The_Legend_of_Ron_Burgundy" target="_blank">Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy</a></i></div><div>(DVD)</div><div>I can't even remember how many times I've watched this flick, but when the kids say they want to watch it, I have that DVD out in a flash. It's stupid, yes. And 60% of the time, it makes me laugh every time.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feel_Good_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3My8xpMaFbyxCRsaLngtWYCyUJFgJOcsu5lBZ4YKUHPRDgY619eES3PwLpT5vCQou4YgPnTpdOXwxoh9Tm2H85CSZl-tb3mT6aEJ_WLsz3-6evWqqGZbDH2T8_hl_ipaNOyqHYp5KLNMoR8snuOu7Z4K6ZI2NktSQL6tBxaRdcOx4F8fz3aMQ/s320/download.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div>5. 1/30/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feel_Good_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Feel Good</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1 & 2, Netflix)</div><div>Mae Martin is so intriguing on screen, I could watch them in any show, so a semi-autobiographical rom-com had me hooked immediately. Then came Nurse Barbara (<i>CtM, </i>IYKYK), and I couldn't look away. Yes, I laughed and I cried, and I was impressed with how this show tackled serious topics with off-beat humor. Twelve episodes wasn't nearly enough.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiz_Lady" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_NkxMcQn_H9zN5n1ukjHk0iFXHHsyPNXoKDCLlbQwqiPSKDEIrf_a3Sn9MIV4b-WAjhcAp3bao4jMOr4R3z_mwvQbXdKNw_qGSSIpPx1iuiLXb0vvPjwUaLj5eXv81s_cwpG9tBKr9AnPC5K5f9saujHZcURpWV6fZ6-Oov5gAZVVSmidSvW/s320/Quiz_lady_poster.png" width="216" /></a></div><div>4. 1/20/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiz_Lady" target="_blank">Quiz Lady</a> </i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>The 17-year-old and I watched this together when we were both in a bit of a funk, and it quite hit the spot. Silly humor and opposite-than-expected casting helped keep a ridiculous plot going, but not enough to distract me from being constantly annoyed by Awkwafina's posture. Simple laughs for when you need it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_the_Midwife" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZKK7MLuHaJLJneyqixcX7qsY_kjuff-PY04xK9VH9AQnTKdaoGbzORNI4dOrK_NK9cxK_dNiB6TAuCRm5G6OTNSD8sDonkF9IIdfcEp4c_jQ5jcoye4lWdpaBFwWiT2WRqOjE05T9wTsYW26jPDSUxaDZ527wJoMEPHb9Jk9JXist2BmeYKM/s320/71V52uGxxJL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div>3. 1/19/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_the_Midwife" target="_blank">Call the Midwife</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-12, Netflix)</div><div>More like call the obsession, amIright?? Did I binge watch 12 seasons over the course of a month or two? Yes, this show accompanied my dishwashing, laundry folding, blowdrying my hair, walking to work, you name it. I've loved almost every character-- sorry, Sister Evangelina, I didn't cry too much when it was your time to go-- and it's been fun to welcome new ones each season. I'm counting down the days until PBS will start airing the new season next month, but it's going to be tough to wait a week between episodes. <i>Grey's Anatomy</i> meets the 1950s and 1960s makes for a totally addictive watch.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy,_Stupid,_Love" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq60fuzGVhvpYemG8zjiS4VtCyk5UWwLAMo57KoO3CtixWPyhug_RSq5rQvDde4IjFE2pQryqSdn9GtXcOyUQNkuMstw31pLUDqpzQmO08WF6OpV4KdfbNKiJxYa7NM1xDz4Es48Ic57IsuQf-SsYLzU3Tf93vbxWydIc_4oESyM0UqP0DW8k/s320/MV5BMTg2MjkwMTM0NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzc4NDg2NQ@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>2. 1/5/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy,_Stupid,_Love" target="_blank">Crazy Stupid Love</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>Convincing one, let alone both teenagers to watch a romantic comedy is a feat, but somehow the stars aligned and they both agreed when I saw this was available on Hulu. I didn't say a thing about a twist coming, and they never heard of the movie, so they were completely taken by surprise when the storylines came together in the end, and it was hilarious to watch them process it all. The 16-year-old was still talking about it a couple days later! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeders_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnDzQJHg4Hubq9EPl5XzJIapUB71pc3JEyHw4-560qSQa8IGxHtrHiINL-46zyU-HW-WoeLlQE5dPX3gPBsVE-YVlCkzDvCXm6EJBmQRYEWPIm4C5zZ4GvMSYCft0rShf7Eu38bg60Ca58tHHC5j9Bigfa6EyQk9_6lsSCpc9bpYlB65ag_Ij/s320/images.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>1. 1/1/24</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeders_(TV_series)">Breeders</a></i></div><div>(Season 4, Hulu)</div><div>It's hard to acknowledge what I have appreciated and enjoyed about this series knowing that it's created by Martin Freeman. Was he aware that he created his character to be the biggest asshole on the show who consistently hurts his family members and grows so very little over the many years span of the show? I was happy to finish this one up so I don't have to spend any more time with MF's character. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aFOo1ZVxXMJaTDo563U0sLDLMULuILJsvEfU6XAqZSKqan6TrYObyhruBEWTjQgVoUizu2D9qr8s8AizgLdi7fzm4HLPNf6Ec9YwV2wdYZkci9IOdVNXZ_3l4O4FK0vZDlZU4IhVW6NH1ls2KGV7rfLfeuoqUwOJ8EtSmsdkXFTwERHgzSZ_/s202/morninglight%20mama.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="41" data-original-width="202" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aFOo1ZVxXMJaTDo563U0sLDLMULuILJsvEfU6XAqZSKqan6TrYObyhruBEWTjQgVoUizu2D9qr8s8AizgLdi7fzm4HLPNf6Ec9YwV2wdYZkci9IOdVNXZ_3l4O4FK0vZDlZU4IhVW6NH1ls2KGV7rfLfeuoqUwOJ8EtSmsdkXFTwERHgzSZ_/s1600/morninglight%20mama.png" width="202" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-19750754802138157502024-01-01T00:00:00.008-05:002024-03-14T19:57:13.270-04:00book reviews 2024<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ve8M4ApO87SlU8mXXHFikwXH16Csi3l9gr2WC8kc_U0yZO-kYffBkKu9vBXL0P16ZL-l0fYJ_dg0bw4N9iIVMgMY_j9WFu_w6oVEnLGqx8CE18__eBZaAObJPG6yQxkJy4Dp8kcDfNUCOmE-s3EnlM7eiLWXWQO94Eaj0D6GTsaVZNCyssr-/s960/reading%20in%202024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="960" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ve8M4ApO87SlU8mXXHFikwXH16Csi3l9gr2WC8kc_U0yZO-kYffBkKu9vBXL0P16ZL-l0fYJ_dg0bw4N9iIVMgMY_j9WFu_w6oVEnLGqx8CE18__eBZaAObJPG6yQxkJy4Dp8kcDfNUCOmE-s3EnlM7eiLWXWQO94Eaj0D6GTsaVZNCyssr-/w640-h430/reading%20in%202024.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Here it is, year seventeen of my book lists, and with it being my favorite number since forever, can I take this as a positive sign that I'll have a wonderful year of reading? Eh, every year is a wonderful year of reading, whether it's a dozen books or nearing 100. Those years of long-ass reading lists are only a memory lately, but you never know. This year will bring some big milestones for our family, so 2024 will be remarkable regardless.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Th5abE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="168" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6fRup92foj_6UDOjwEQC4QDKCRRSEAl0w2rHt0Mmos2Bg3wZxefzr6HDOqUav9KN0ae3JxKghjYHM70eQ_eEYt5JgmYJkbYA9aaDheYU9lWJKokFFvyy9yS9ItPq1F3DWYbbDK0m9ptv5N5MLBts2VD2j7jqm2Y1uKrekcQAOPUyefDDdO26/s1600/71ofiRv8-TL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><div>10. 3/14/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/48Q7OLe" target="_blank">Pageboy</a> </i>by Elliot Page</div>I have rooted for Elliot Page since he first came out, watching his speech at the HRC event in 2014 and feeling excited for a person who seemed to be nervously, but genuinely, sharing their truth. Reading his memoir was such an eye-opening experience, because while I wasn't following his career closely, I was aware of his work and had no idea of the trauma he had survived and was still living through. He shares so many details of abuse and assault from childhood through young adulthood that it's hard to believe that he could have carried such a successful acting career throughout it all. His inner strength comes through here, even if he is the first one to diminish it. The weight of it all makes for a tough read, but the hopeful tone in the final stories is refreshing, and I'd love to read a joyful follow up memoir in a decade or two.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/43djXsm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="154" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu29vVJXIh7JxTdkWiLPh_u1hJLzffrGrPCu4lqI11UtYDA0_lDvofpWmnlBKMFwVJbWtHiIXWI95ImX3-ouCw-IyCnnbC3LoFXd9l0FXqh-Ut-2dHpMQAcdLpv6ujBVFRVma-_gH6sgFhbOESe79jDFToIhZPj8ush6suWSeuObwAj6rDi1z/s1600/81iRqopp0qL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_%20(1).jpg" width="154" /></a></div><div>9. 3/12/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/43djXsm" target="_blank">Now Is Not the Time to Panic</a> </i>by Kevin Wilson</div><div>The only other book I've read by this author was NOTHING TO SEE HERE, which I absolutely treasured for its absurdity, so I was prepared for another strange story in this novel. Yes, I definitely found a ton of weirdness, but the weirdness was more relatable here, I think. The teenage narrator's weirdness and tendency toward obsession was something I connected with immediately, thinking back on my own formative years and my ability to become so engrossed in a thing that it became my identity. Yup, that tracks, maybe a wee bit muted, to today. This protagonist's creativity and teenage ennui work together to find meaning where others might not, and an obsession is born as a result. This obsession is shared with another awkward teenager unsure of himself, too, so the obsession and the bond become inseparable. As the plot revs up, and boy does it ever, I found myself initially surprised, before realizing that it all made perfect sense and could have truly happened in real life exactly as portrayed in fiction, because our world and its people are absolutely weird enough. I appreciated the uniqueness of this coming-of-age story that has recognizable themes in its kooky plot.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/43e329i" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="157" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspw33XM0rjFQCTK4gZCIV2Zclau5cHetqWiGGJXYPbRXTcc9hUn0auvCKXZo8DQ3EJqUgKov78QZ1tgeIGKRpMH3z9rv1misVXEDR3p_elK8K0Y3mp9lkwexZRBCIIpAjnp3Ph6_vXocDGpDTv7PdIdLZ2uYWwBV6XZBLQOnF5KzjyerFcvGq/s1600/61pZ0M900BL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_%20(1).jpg" width="157" /></a></div><div>8. 3/8/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/43e329i" target="_blank">Yellowface</a> </i>by R.F. Kuang</div>Dang, I could not put this down! Taken at surface level, this novel provides an intriguing premise right from the jump, along with a first-person narrative whose voice starts strong and bold. As the intrigue builds, though, we witness the narrator begin to unravel, slowly at first followed by a rapid decline, that, to be honest, was entertaining AF to watch. What seemed at first to be simple ignorance- the effects of white privilege personified- descends into a self-indulgent madness that spirals out of control, and I was left drained of any ounce of compassion I might have ever felt for the narrator. I also quite enjoyed the glimpse into the world of publishing, for as unhinged as the perspective may have been, I'm confident much of that was spot on. Highly recommend.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3wMqGx8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="152" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMAST03cg_zATVjsxMOyctQB-xC_gaG56BfBLCuXDpbPbd5gMoHg9q9TUkpvnT-UwUiF26WBHHejdNHmwHFEC4LPTAe-jBvERlOahf8NU_FWHg8mT9aGm3meiKfImCMreKY_VYioASl_-3bgBswioEOtD4F5wfUgaIt3QOWVpeDq_4ZSxpQDN/s1600/91fiJmrOQaL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_%20(1).jpg" width="152" /></a></div><div>7. 3/1/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3wMqGx8" target="_blank">Weyward</a> </i>by Emilia Hart</div>My husband gave me this novel for Xmas after hearing it talked about on NPR. Look at this cover-- have you ever seen anything so beautiful?! Birds and bugs on a book cover means it was a perfect gift for me. I binged this entire book today, enraptured by its three distinct narratives of women separated by centuries but connected by bloodlines and trauma. What some might call 'witchcraft' works as a major theme here, but with an emphasis on a connection to nature beyond just the usual knowledge of the power of herbs and other plants, which I adored. I found it to be a compelling and suspenseful read, but folks should be aware of domestic violence and rape depictions that could be difficult to get through.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uXsK4S" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="168" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vpkcGN2tfKAPH5X0uCR5nkWHghOQcOTftuFVf8HdFZSRbHONSH-9-dQ4-WVF_9SqIHpyUEvRU-8qjmWMA3EUp7sbw-svgySYdzERQcpZ0ZgDR_-6wfYFSGsVjiyrCJqVabI5_AbrzDxP8ZyEulD_htO06S_vFoteKf8aTIqaXi7tFzkfQmur/s1600/81oPa5mT5TL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><div>6. 2/26/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/4bT4mSy" target="_blank">You Are What You Watch: How Movies and TV Affect Everything</a> </i>by Walt Hickey</div><div>If this was a textbook for an American Studies type of course, I'd definitely want to take the class! I was utterly fascinated by the information presented about how entertainment affects us-- from literal physical effects on our bodily systems to the larger worldly influence of pop culture on national identities and perceptions. The visual representations of data are unlike anything I've ever seen. This is likely the most fun I've ever had while reading and processing a nonfiction text.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uB1wRw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="153" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFb1X8mG7j5yrmwEVPKp7MCxgsuN2f0HgVXBy63iEwSCTiB8nFTDI-4jJ7yW8vUjr2EM9TPNfm01M6o_bW_Ae1kfxhbmfM6DmBSLDPExD2zZr3fr4lqdHPEwvGBS4hIJbl0Cq4lzYTytcxf_Yk5eGM1VfY2VdfIYevAU1NOm8DUPrbKE2tk7N/s1600/81UaheUZBjL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><div>5. 2/14/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3uB1wRw" target="_blank">Daisy Darker</a> </i>by Alice Feeney</div>Murder mystery isn't one of my go to genres, but you wouldn't have figured that considering how quickly I read this one, starting on my lunch break and ending just after midnight the same night! I loved the cheekiness that was there from the jump with a map of the house that looked pretty familiar to anyone who's ever played Clue, along with several Agatha Christie nods and references. Can murder be slightly lighthearted? I think this book fits that bill, and I actually had a fun time reading it, even if I only guessed half of the twist. Props to my friend's murder-mystery-loving kid for the recommendation!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc3vfH_WUFnrsM4lbkVMA09hkiJs5Ia2jNq4Z6xwQ9w5hshprLjElWdyckL8LS0DbBxaL5SsMXEAE87X3wUCgAaUi1hyxKJ954mO6YH4JJv5ttVMJ9Rt0IKqZNO5HwYMoIM-RNFynxcKFw2qndC-_4Bp93HJMrdzbww7sRSzYLjDw6f59G9IU/s232/911EGrDDMwL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="154" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc3vfH_WUFnrsM4lbkVMA09hkiJs5Ia2jNq4Z6xwQ9w5hshprLjElWdyckL8LS0DbBxaL5SsMXEAE87X3wUCgAaUi1hyxKJ954mO6YH4JJv5ttVMJ9Rt0IKqZNO5HwYMoIM-RNFynxcKFw2qndC-_4Bp93HJMrdzbww7sRSzYLjDw6f59G9IU/s1600/911EGrDDMwL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_%20(1).jpg" width="154" /></a></div><div>4. 2/10/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3OHtxxD" target="_blank">People Collide</a> </i>by Isle McElroy</div><div>(library book)</div>I'm not sure how to describe this novel, other than to say I was wholly taken with it. It's like the seriousness of THE METAMORPHOSIS crashed into the ridiculousness of FREAKY FRIDAY, weaving a story that explores gender, marriage, identity, sex, and relationships. I had no idea what to expect as I neared the final pages, and while I'm not left with any feelings of closure for the story or the characters, they had me fascinated for a short time.
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/498fkSD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="147" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-OmPfgk3IQztWEU-CNwV7h3j8rXuzuttFzgRqNimXYN7htjcKjhqb5XvUNK_poy2s3utfTL5gXRzeixyNZFFKA3T8Rc8kx3RNaFsogWHhK4VsTJ9_S4wLqaoYolj9VGRn8Iyhe7AoW8zIpzE40qLnTXt3IMakboRgk_3_HGC3hTX_LxPlpMH/s1600/61v9DMHt2TL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_%20(1).jpg" width="147" /></a></div><div>3. 1/26/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/498fkSD" target="_blank">This is Salvaged</a> </i>by Vauhini Vara</div><div>(library book)</div>This collection of short stories is full of vivacious characters who are almost immediately fully brought to life in only a few pages. Most of the protagonists are girls or women, and their stories are intimately and carefully told. "The Hormone Hypothesis" tells of friendship among middle-aged women, and I appreciated the realistic portrayal of the bonds that can be made during a pivotal stage of life like this. Each of the ten short stories here is brilliant and beautifully written- a snapshot in life- and while I could have read more, I was pleased with the short time I spent with all of the characters.
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3HU6RGE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="152" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWOUEI2FKuPFgVGVPiPnGvB42_BPWt34axBDknCFChpvK8y3ouoJCF1zuS22-FeepZfmu8DOWd-Ly92n8IUi2yzGMiiQaCHG2Q8U6dTcCN9Lpm8faw5Yc5G1ddqU_sW4fyyhiFzIycI_NQNRbXTtkuIJpON4FMEVEryfKeuCu9TchD10LAKx/s1600/81HE6uwjpgL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_%20(1).jpg" width="152" /></a></div><div>2. 1/15/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3UxWno1" target="_blank">Let Us Descend</a> </i>by Jesmyn Ward</div><div>(library book)</div>Jesmyn Ward weaves with words, creating a magical story that is both otherworldly and as deeply entrenched in real, human experience as possible. Here she writes a first person narrative of enslavement in the American South, replete with terrors that should be unimaginable. She also writes of love, especially a maternal love that carries beyond an earthly life. Ward's writing truly is like no other's, affecting and achingly gorgeous.<div><br /></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/48hYvmS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="155" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wCGwNjea0HL-N_xcSoYDKraHvzin7nmvZLlXNR_a2TIa6OAgEKb3HKb0eQtQDzBRVJVXHzKMZZasPnUq9QxfxlIRLdJjfeqJfYWZhSv1BD2-ZxTblI2Hb2GD0qqu9C3DBvbKQSLobezX1BPEgTeSGnX5OZ-bWR7aPcAgzNfegQVjIkY57rkx/s1600/9199lmkzGrL._AC_UL232_SR232,232_%20(1).jpg" width="155" /></a></div><div>1. 1/7/24</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3SRTvB4" target="_blank">Leslie F*cking Jones</a> </i>by Leslie Jones</div><div>(library book)</div>Big Leslie Jones fan here. Love her for her authenticity, because her comedy always feels absolutely real, and she always looks like she's having a helluva time doing it. Her memoir bares a lot of the pretty tough times, and it's clear that she worked her ass off to get all of her successes. There's more of her challenges here than I expected, so don't go in thinking it's going to be a ton of laughs. Major respect to Leslie!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzYYseaWMrM0CThqKQj_encWdWuI8lKDgA6jiiau3Zt3YUSgz66uskHi5LBjZoHqDk6drsoiMM9ySkxUPhAKDzAAMDcgqmIBV36tc4XPUwkg25dxNaMMR5aPIWS0g5ecnQ5cPIHJ5IhoEbEQVIg1TYevIQV089iXzsncpcj_nGOuXxLzAXjAl/s202/morninglight%20mama.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="41" data-original-width="202" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzYYseaWMrM0CThqKQj_encWdWuI8lKDgA6jiiau3Zt3YUSgz66uskHi5LBjZoHqDk6drsoiMM9ySkxUPhAKDzAAMDcgqmIBV36tc4XPUwkg25dxNaMMR5aPIWS0g5ecnQ5cPIHJ5IhoEbEQVIg1TYevIQV089iXzsncpcj_nGOuXxLzAXjAl/s1600/morninglight%20mama.png" width="202" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-70255632510206896792023-03-24T12:15:00.004-04:002023-03-24T12:15:59.153-04:00I don't know why I am the way I am<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyxqQnXdwEfzS5VE95Pm3XB2_ZISvVfmhvZ8yEFcb8LO7bv3h8TaAbsYZdDxTmECEooL0kAo5ByaTdxaKR04LAvPfNO0cfhBJnWFdAHf1_EwD7ukLTnltlLLDt2yE-OhLHlTdBezzzvGoAikxYXSmSbKR3BG2g780ksSOCwUXDirWMbVbxw/s1570/20160708_185226.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1570" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyxqQnXdwEfzS5VE95Pm3XB2_ZISvVfmhvZ8yEFcb8LO7bv3h8TaAbsYZdDxTmECEooL0kAo5ByaTdxaKR04LAvPfNO0cfhBJnWFdAHf1_EwD7ukLTnltlLLDt2yE-OhLHlTdBezzzvGoAikxYXSmSbKR3BG2g780ksSOCwUXDirWMbVbxw/w640-h364/20160708_185226.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div> I start and abandon piece after piece about feeling lost. I can't figure out how to put these feelings into words, or even decide if there's a point in doing so, and I end up with even less understanding of myself at this time in my life. Have I lost some part of me that I want back? Or does middle age inevitably lead to this feeling of loss regardless of how life plays out? Is there a "me" that remains inside waiting to be unlocked, discovered, awakened? Am I in there, amongst the clutter? Or is that searching futile because the me I'm remembering lives only in the past? <div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus, I teeter on boring myself, feeling like a poseur listening to young people's music and looking inward with falsely worn depth. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do know that I am in a clutter crisis, internally and externally. I look around me and can't figure out if my life is kitsch cool or borderline hoarding. Okay, maybe too harsh with the hoarding, but I can't help but see my internal chaos mirrored in all the <i>stuff</i> around me. How did we get here? Do I need to Marie Kondo all this shit, I ask myself, but even the little items all have stories that are simply excerpts from my life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Time. All I ever feel that I need is time. Well, money would never be passed up, either, but time seems the most elusive. Ironically, when we were all granted nothing but time right around this point three years ago, I couldn't seem to find the motivation to actually do much. For all that the pandemic took, it definitely gave time, and that was a gift I couldn't appropriately accept, apparently. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I face whatever this crisis of lostness is, as usual, I'm tempted to turn to my two favorite coping mechanisms-- lists and organizing. If I could just get everything down on paper that I need to fix, clean, update, sort, trash, redo, and on and on, then I could find the starting point and move forward. As if there is some linear path with discernible steps to feeling whole again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I'm going about this all wrong. Does aging mean we leave certain parts of ourselves in the past and adapt and change into new pieces that have to then be integrated into the whole? Are we puzzles with constantly, but slowly, changing images, making room for shape-shifting pieces? Maybe that image is never actually complete? Nothing turning out exactly as we pictured it? Is that the fun in it all? </div><div><br /></div><div>What am I missing? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(And I mean this in so, so many ways.)</span> What parts of me am I missing in this moment, right now? And what am I missing that my contemporaries seem to have? Or are you all just better at hiding your own feelings of feeling lost? </div><div><br /></div><div>All I have are questions. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><i>Title inspiration: "Not Strong Enough" by boygenius</i></b><br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bIX_ouNJsTs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; border: medium none;" /></a></div>
</div></div></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-83364819975386568212023-01-22T18:44:00.025-05:002023-12-27T20:22:12.708-05:00book reviews 2023<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oG2tYG9hsvdXccbK6SS7Zh8L6a8TDNOVoac7GczYa68-Rlcm4eJAeGxnyrdaqs0XDhawV01rdri64qa1rWaQ5SIr2UN5TKlKYFfGbcbZq7EupGPtz5flSsPTW5amihh0lmsJIzDopQgNnib25f49US_2IuG5NX3DeqwNkFC-Ed84-h8gpw/s4953/2023books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2820" data-original-width="4953" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oG2tYG9hsvdXccbK6SS7Zh8L6a8TDNOVoac7GczYa68-Rlcm4eJAeGxnyrdaqs0XDhawV01rdri64qa1rWaQ5SIr2UN5TKlKYFfGbcbZq7EupGPtz5flSsPTW5amihh0lmsJIzDopQgNnib25f49US_2IuG5NX3DeqwNkFC-Ed84-h8gpw/w640-h365/2023books.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Year sixteen of keeping a list of all the books I read is upon me, and while I record over on goodreads as well, I do love having the record here, too. Even if it's one of only a few posts for the year, at least there's something being marked here as time passes. At the end of 2022, I experienced a wave of enthusiasm for reading again, and while I'm realistically expecting that to continue to ebb and flow, I do hope that this year brings some enjoyable new reading times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/41HY0AT" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0525563482&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">18. 12/27/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/41HY0AT" target="_blank">Wow, No Thank You</a> </i>by Samantha Irby</div>How did it take me so long to find Samantha Irby's writing? The ridiculous number of dog-eared pages that mean I 1000% related to something she shared about her life or her experiences have increased the thickness of my paperback copy by at least 25%, no joke. Anxiety? Depression? Digestive issues? Outrageous intrusive thoughts? Damn if she wasn't singing to the choir of me with essay after essay here. Hilariously funny with self-deprecation dripping off the page, Irby is easily one of my new fave authors.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Witching-Tide-Novel-Margaret-Meyer/dp/1668011360?crid=35I920ICF1RUW&keywords=the+witching+tide&qid=1697811831&sprefix=the+witching+tide%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=bf60d844b2083201672547778e9d4d5b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1668011360&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">17. 10/20/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/401LA6f" target="_blank">The Witching Tide</a> </i>by Margaret Meyer</div>Woah, that was not an easy read, both in the weight of its subject and its actual language. I guess it was ridiculous of me to expect any lightness at all in an historical novel about the 1645 East Anglian witch trials. But be forewarned that the darkness here runs deep, and it's hard to come up for air while reading. Taking in the historically accurate depictions of what was done to so, so many women in the name of religious fervor disguising plain misogyny is a painful act of acknowledgement. <div><br /></div><div>"We are bitch. We are chit. We are slut. We are wrench, harlot, bawd, madam, jezebel, whore, daemon, sorceress, doxy, cunt, slattern, jade, hag, Madonna, quean, tart, sow, vixen, bee, shrew, bird, mutton, maiden, harpy, succuba, dame, mistress, hellion, crone. We are repugnant to Nature, contumely to God; We are monstrous, legion; We are too many, We are never enough."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Island-Sea-Women-Novel/dp/1501154869?crid=2N93GASOF9KV&keywords=the+island+of+sea+women+by+lisa+see&qid=1695670196&sprefix=the+island+of%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=f2f4cc233b7609eacec830c6b2ef6af6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1501154869&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">16. 9/24/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/456GRkB" target="_blank">The Island of Sea Women</a> </i>by Lisa See</div>I binged this book the day before I was meeting with my friends to talk about it, after looking at it sit on my desk for a couple of weeks. Once I got started, I was happy to just keep reading, so it didn't feel like a chore to read it all in the matter of a few hours. In addition to being reminded of how little I was ever taught about modern world history, I was amazed by the story of South Korea's haenyeo of Jeju Island, women who dive and harvest to feed and support their families and community. Gender, family, and friendship are the overarching themes of this fictional story presented against a background of true, and truly horrific, historical events. Lisa See delivers another complex novel with deeply drawn characters, as usual.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anthropocene-Reviewed-Essays-Human-Centered-Planet/dp/0525556532?crid=ZXO5C1GHJOQ&keywords=the+anthropocene+reviewed+john+green&qid=1695670092&sprefix=the+anthro%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=9a9482c8469f158fb2ab14a5a865ae42&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0525556532&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15. 9/2/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ESIffZ" target="_blank">The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet</a> </i>by John Green</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I meant to read this when it first came out, but it kept getting pushed down my list. Damn if this wasn't sheer brilliance. Green's perspective and voice-- especially when he references his depression, anxiety, and general life views-- consistently hit me right in the gut. Here, his 'reviews' on a random assortment of human experiences are thoughtful and touching, and I wanted to immediately share passages with people in my life again and again. While I'd heard some of these essays on his podcast of the same title, reading them still breathed something new into them, especially the essay on "Auld Lang Syne" and one of the best humans ever, Amy Krouse Rosenthal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Please-Dont-Your-Outside-Clothes/dp/0593184904?keywords=please+don%27t+sit+on+my+bed+in+your+outside&qid=1693311397&sprefix=please+don%27t+sit+on%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ed2a3b70d1ebdd6d2fdb75687c515d03&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0593184904&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">14. 8/29/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3R05lsj" target="_blank">Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes</a> </i>by Phoebe Robinson</div>I finished this as I walked to work this morning, because I didn't want to wait until lunchtime. I'm a fan of Phoebe Robinson's writing style, having laughed at her previous collections of essays and her sitcom, so I was primed to giggle at her silly word abbreviations (abbreviashes?) and enjoy her voice again. I wasn't expecting the more serious tone that crept in, or the research-heavy references, but I absolutely shouldn't have been surprised. This is a collection of essays written by a Black woman during the last few years, of course there's some serious shit in here. And I'm here for it. Robinson's wit and wisdom are obvious, and their combination makes for a fantastic read.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/People-We-Keep-Allison-Larkin/dp/1982171308?crid=10NWA6SVJCV2D&keywords=the+people+we+keep&qid=1692118255&sprefix=the+people+we+keep%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=aac0626907f9a3e2e92d3a28a8a5f5c1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1982171308&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1982171308" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">13. 8/14/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3OzoRcs" target="_blank">The People We Keep</a> </i>by Allison Larkin</div>
I dog-eared so many pages of this novel to remember passages that were moving, tender, and touching that I almost doubled the book's thickness! I read nearly the whole book in a car ride home from DC, and it pained me to have to wait until the next day to finish. At the end, I wanted more, too-- more beautiful turns of phrase, more lyrical narrative, more story of a young person finally on the precipice of trusting and believing she could be loved. Through my tears, I closed the book, hopeful for true happiness for a character I know to be fictional but felt so real.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shit-Actually-Definitive-Objective-Modern/dp/0316449822?crid=J1KT6HFUSYS4&keywords=shit+actually&qid=1691975173&sprefix=shit+actually%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=c8da8363c459ae5a85a7846e03a55d22&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316449822&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0316449822" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">12. 8/10/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/45d4nNO" target="_blank">Shit, Actually: The Definitive, 100% Objective Guide to Modern Cinema</a> </i>by Lindy West</div>What a perfect vacation read! I was already a big fan of Lindy West's writing, and with this collection of irreverent movie reviews, she had me chuckling again and again. I've never seen TWILIGHT, but by her retelling it sounds fucking hilarious. The book's title comes from her essay about my least favorite "holiday" movie... can you guess? About this terrible flick, she says, "Thank you for telling a generation of men that their intrusiveness and obsessions are "romantic," and that women are secretly flattered no matter what their body language (or mouth!) says." Brilliant.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/White-Women-Everything-Already-Racism/dp/0143136437?crid=102CG1DQMPWK4&keywords=white+women+what+you+already+know+about+racism&qid=1691506737&sprefix=white+women+what+you+%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=5158f99be370ba9d935e44090f22e5d1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0143136437&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0143136437" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11. 8/7/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3s7QPnL" target="_blank">White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better</a> </i>by Regina Jackson and Saira Rao</div>White friends, this is a must read. Authors Saira Rao and Regina Jackson have put themselves and their own health in exhausting and dangerous situations, all in an attempt to get us white women to see our own racism clearly. If we don't acknowledge our racist beliefs and actions, along with the ways in which we actively uphold white supremacy, then nothing will change. Not for Black, brown, Indigenous, or other people of color, and, as they emphasize, for ourselves. They point out the ways in which our racism hurts ourselves, too. I'm personally thinking a lot about the pressure for perfection, and how rooted that is in white supremacy, and how harmful it is for everyone. Having read a couple other books of this nature (but sometimes authored by other white women), I was drawn in immediately by Rao and Jackson's tone and straightforward writing. Be ready to see yourself in ways that will make you feel uncomfortable and maybe become defensive. Be prepared to understand white privilege in a deeper manner-- white entitlement. I want to be better, and I have a lot to confront in myself. I think most of us white women need to.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outlawed-Anna-North/dp/1635578248?keywords=outlawed+anna+north&qid=1688408386&sprefix=outlawed%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=c8ac12f395fa6e95b84b9fec42b323d3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1635578248&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. 7/3/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/44r4sMX" target="_blank">Outlawed</a> </i>by Anna North</div>My 17 year old kid recommended this one to me, and they couldn't have been happier when I loved it just as much as they did. I was absolutely taken with this alternate history of the U.S. in the 1890s and the Hole in the Wall gang, but with women and nonbinary folx at the heart of the action. The arguably honorable motivations of the thieves stem from all the ways they were outcast from mainstream society-- a society of religious zealotry that, of course, solely values women for their ability to bear children and deems them witches if unable to do so. The characters here can offer so much more and dare to try. In 2021, a television adaptation was announced, but I can't find any news on it since. Keeping my fingers crossed for a representation as gritty and tender as the book.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Know-About-Animals-Wrong/dp/1849945829?crid=TKYK2I7Y8BNR&keywords=everything+you+know+about+animals+is+wrong&qid=1687223121&sprefix=eerything+you+wknow+about+animals+is+wrong%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=55463a534cdebdeaaa9f5ada625c7d4d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1849945829&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1849945829" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. 6/19/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3NayaPc" target="_blank">Everything You Know About Animals is Wrong</a> </i>by Matt Brown</div>This was an entertaining book to pick up every now and then, chuckle at the author's jokes, and surprise myself with-- or sometimes confirm-- fun facts about the animalia kingdom. I'm not sure how much of these corrected misconceptions will stick in my brain, but if you had the pleasure of being nearby when I was reading this, you were undoubtedly subjected to me saying, "Hey, listen to this!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Why-Fathers-Cry-Night-Remembrances/dp/031641722X?crid=1SHXMMIMKQ2I7&keywords=why+fathers+cry+at+night+by+kwame+alexander&qid=1687129768&sprefix=why+father%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=e942a06ce4cbee58af4e89eb79d668cd&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=031641722X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=031641722X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. 6/17/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3CAgiIB" target="_blank">Why Fathers Cry at Night: A Memoir in Love Poems, Letters, Recipes, and Remembrances</a> </i>by Kwame Alexander</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been a fan of Kwame Alexander's work for a long time now, and I've had the joy of seeing him present online and in-person several times, so I felt like I already had a decent sense of the kind of person he is. His memoir tells a lot more of his story than I had imagined, and I enjoyed thinking about his perspective on parenthood (from both the parent and child roles) and relationships. I've ever written love poems myself- nor had them written to me- but I connected with so much of the ride that new love can be. His writing about his mother and her death almost six years ago is deeply emotional, and through my tears, I hoped my kids would someday think similar thoughts about me. I'm still not confident that I read poetry the "right" way, but I felt a lot as I took in his words, and even more so when I heard him recite it in interviews. I appreciated the recipes in here, too, which allowed me to make some jollof chicken for the first time. (Not as spicy as I expected- can you believe it?!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrow-novel-Gabrielle-Zevin/dp/0593321200?crid=3L1E01S4CVZE9&keywords=tomorrow%2C+and+tomorrow%2C+and+tomorrow+a+novel&qid=1684793573&sprefix=tomor%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=6b8b2a028fef143d9dea416502ea3841&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0593321200&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. 5/21/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3orQV8A" target="_blank">Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow</a> </i>by Gabrielle Zevin</div>Beautiful, and beautiful, and beautiful. I loved everything about this novel-- the language (even though I had to Google SO MANY WORDS), the character development, the joys and pains of the sprawling story. Talking with friends who've read this opened up conversations about which of the protagonists we connected with, empathized with, or even liked. I wonder about the author's ideas behind various gender expectations in our society and the influence on the characters she created. I questioned my own biases in how I responded to the characters, too. I have almost no personal experience with video games, especially the kinds created by the primary characters, and I honestly had no idea of the depth of the creation process. But maybe an old dog could try some new tricks, because the way gaming was portrayed here was intriguing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-There-God-Margaret/dp/148140993X?crid=MA7SKR6LF450&keywords=are+you+there+god&qid=1683485510&sprefix=are+you+there+god%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=9870b034e03e3f3dedaea7652223e577&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=148140993X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. 5/6/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=148140993X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><i><a href="https://amzn.to/41d2PQQ" target="_blank">Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.</a></i> by Judy Blume</div>I'm sure that I must have read this as a kid because everyone read it, right? Given that I'd like to see the movie soon, I thought it appropriate to not only read it, but add it to my personal collection, too, along with a couple of Blume's other classics. I laughed at the modernized cover, but was happy that the story stuck to the time period. There was an innocence to this writing that felt a bit quaint, as I'm used to even tweens in contemporary fiction being written a bit harder and more experienced. I'm curious to see how the friendships will be portrayed on screen, as at least one of Margaret's pals isn't always kind. This was fun to read (again, I think?) and I can only chuckle when I think back to a time when I actually wanted my period to come!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Angie-Charlton-Trujillo/dp/0763680192?crid=15A0VGGT4VUY6&keywords=fat+angie&qid=1679694876&sprefix=fat+angie%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=1bd689f0186d6ded7ee31d95afd9b133&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0763680192&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0763680192" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. 3/24/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/40BUxCn" target="_blank">Fat Angie</a> </i>by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo</div>You know when you start a book and the protagonist just immediately clicks as someone you understand, someone you know? This YA novel's Angie made sense to me from the jump, even as she doesn't make a ton of sense to herself. There is real trauma and darkness here, and there is also the strength of just continuing to TRY, day after day, amidst the pain. I'm glad this book found its way to me right now, and I'm going to have to get the sequels right quick!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Husbands-Evelyn-Hugo-Novel/dp/1501161938?crid=Y8KADUKXJXWV&keywords=the+seven+husbands+of+evelyn+hugo&qid=1679077160&sprefix=the+seve%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=fe921def6257bd74f673d81d3c3dd7c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1501161938&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. 3/16/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/42fmOQN" target="_blank">The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo</a> </i>by Taylor Jenkins Reid</div>I'm so glad I didn't read this when everyone was first talking about it, because it made the exact perfect poolside read this week! Or should I say *yesterday* because I read it cover to cover in one day. This narrative is told in a compelling tone, leading me to devour chapter after chapter, with some pool breaks, of course. Reid writes in such a comfortable, conversational way, it's easy to tune out the world around you and stay absorbed with Evelyn Hugo's universe. This novel hit the spot as a vacation read!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bandit-Queens-Novel-Parini-Shroff/dp/059349895X?keywords=the+bandit+queens&qid=1677373095&sprefix=the+bandi%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=f2fd9c6966ebdb68b3fc16d172a8ee83&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=059349895X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=059349895X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. 2/25/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ku1BS1" target="_blank">The Bandit Queens</a> </i>by Parini Shroff</div>I'm mildly obsessed with the AppleTV+ series BAD SISTERS, and this novel very quickly reminded me of that brilliant show's plot. It took a bit longer before I sensed something even more similar- dark, dark humor. By the final scenes, I was literally laughing out loud at it all. Under the humor, there were themes of class (specifically in the caste system in India) and gender running through the story, often described through the protagonist's eyes as her perspective and understandings grow. While I had misgivings with some characterizations, overall, I quite enjoyed the novel.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maid-Hard-Work-Mothers-Survive/dp/0316505099?crid=29Q6GENEVS8J3&keywords=maid&qid=1675034930&sprefix=maid%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-3&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ee117ca84d599c2a68653696c3a37df3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316505099&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0316505099" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. 1/29/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3DqkdIZ" target="_blank">Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive</a> </i>by Stephanie Land</div>If working hard automatically equaled success and financial security, author Stephanie Land would have been set from the beginning. Instead, as she recounts in this memoir, she struggled through almost impossible systems that offer more suspicion than support. Her personal stories might be eye-opening to people without experience with poverty in our country, and I do hope that she can offer a detailed narrative that opposes long-held assumptions about people who "abuse the welfare system." I'm in awe at her sheer fortitude, and I look forward to hearing her speak next month as part of a community read event.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sentence-Novel-Louise-Erdrich/dp/0062671138?crid=2X1BYYIYQSDEG&keywords=the+sentence+louise+erdrich&qid=1674431007&sprefix=%2Caps%2C785&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=9cdaeece3f507c1aa4c5fc7bbaf9dc6c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062671138&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0062671138" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. 1/21/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3kAA6G8" target="_blank">The Sentence</a> </i>by Louise Erdrich</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had difficulty getting into this novel, and had I not been reading it with some friends, I may not have persevered. But I was under a deadline and started on page 33 earlier this afternoon, reading the final page (374) just before midnight. I'm so glad I kept with it, because even if I wasn't always clear on exactly what was happening or just what characters were talking about, I was definitely pulled in by the emotions. There's a whole lot of content being tackled here from death, haunting, incarceration, Indigenous life and history, the onset of Covid and its early days, the summer of the murder of George Floyd, so much. Maybe that felt overwhelming at times, but it ultimately was a perfect representation of the undeniably overwhelming nature of 2020.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-1736829933373400372023-01-06T14:47:00.043-05:002023-12-27T20:54:11.394-05:00viewing reviews 2023<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht18fyIRFkhZpFRCpgPh0EjfdxTPybHFt2HBPR5nF5Ae-pOg_efnwe8EvcBxG7nfy8Qv0JaMgrL2uB_rRGIq61_CpRCh-w9YfmtwurPFwDxXr6qpUJLcLEqV0fX3xHxQg0Ef_O_ZygkQwjxJA9ZA_NJaesUDGLudmL6Vb2zRNDAPoAJ4Sfxg/s4560/2023movies.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3813" data-original-width="4560" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht18fyIRFkhZpFRCpgPh0EjfdxTPybHFt2HBPR5nF5Ae-pOg_efnwe8EvcBxG7nfy8Qv0JaMgrL2uB_rRGIq61_CpRCh-w9YfmtwurPFwDxXr6qpUJLcLEqV0fX3xHxQg0Ef_O_ZygkQwjxJA9ZA_NJaesUDGLudmL6Vb2zRNDAPoAJ4Sfxg/w400-h335/2023movies.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here I am again, obsessively keeping track of the movies and series that I watch for another year, if for no other reasons than tradition and comfort. Yes, recording things like this provides me with a sense of calm because my thoughts and experiences won't be forgotten with time, and I can be reminded with a quick search when, not if, my memory falters. I do love a good tradition, and this one goes back to 2009, making this the 15th year of this type of post. It seems that I have zero trouble finding new series to binge or movies that interest me, so no doubt this post will continue to grow and grow throughout the year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legends_of_the_Fall" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2265" data-original-width="1525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-pnMfcOrXLXhdMIgEJk91dcD_Y-honL3y92KqUUlM1JzDvDkQh3tl3zlQWVJaz5BawnBzH9Us53dQSf8JV5ez3cwgXQKApKtZnF_1VXsPHDLRU5_GOBmPE5PzYXh-6gFA3BS0EZCPsPc0JKFiMZy_VkJ8cgBHzLC1NfYeBQkXwxG3WjkNDHl/s320/MV5BNzUwMzhkY2EtYzg4NC00NzZmLWEzNmItMDU4MmNlZTRjYzIxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTUzMDUzNTI3._V1_.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">48. 12/26/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legends_of_the_Fall" target="_blank">Legends of the Fall</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Netflix)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apparently all I remembered of this 1990s saga was the sweeping vistas and the gorgeous people, and not the terrible choices people made and all the dying. Yes, the gorgeous people were well worth remembering, but damn if this wasn't one long soap opera of a flick. Anthony Hopkins was brilliant, and did I mention that pretty much everyone else was gorgeous?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Report_(2019_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1013" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWGU3a9InqpfelRXywsrluV9pRCxb0XuLbypJSrZgXWms-L9E79ZdkeEis2wrBOQF2zJvlWrdS8CUofyH8VnEyNTqsUKS0MgjoNTXBrbq60n1SFqdmnSmzQV-W_hD5uy4abBJwtGs5TVGREAXblSVSMB1n28ExkzV8j07FnD5LhIPqMSSwJwa/s320/MV5BZGI3ZGNkOGItNWU3ZS00NDIyLTljZjEtZTk5NzkxMjYwMjEzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">47. 12/7/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Report_(2019_film)" target="_blank">The Report</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Netflix)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was pretty shameful how much I had to Google while watching this movie, considering the fact that I was an adult during all of this and apparently didn't pay very deep attention to the news. The performances here were incredible, convincing and powerful. Fuck if there's just nothing left to trust any government, especially our own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Dynamite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjif2ZF9QR7edwremNR_ue1YNi53qLv1paic7KX9xU_s3PjHABBqU_LD8V4j_Wn59417zWsZpWS-JO-IiVVajblL1_pvlEONUBBPXR6TfrY8s_Ln_G6BD5lZvd6DnSOf_WlTD8gA37VRAc2ojWwHaFr6fdHtgN1m6q_j7WofQUgKRFYIYQmJQmU/s320/Napoleon_dynamite_post.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">46. 11/27/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Dynamite" target="_blank">Napoleon Dynamite</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Max)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, our middle kid got accepted to college!! She pulled this card later on in the evening to declare that she should choose what we watched, and this is how I ended up seeing (most of) of this old flick for the first time. I'm pretty sure I'd seen bits and pieces in the past, but I definitely hadn't seen it all, nor did I understand why my kid adores it so much. I guess I get it a bit now, and though I'm not in the fan club after finally watching it, I did get some chuckles at the ridiculousness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Flag_Means_Death" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2025" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67idc-_zZfWUwYMqZKFUp67xUlUtW9klybbAmyTCX3fPNy7pWO0XaV54_VwDgbGI-Hmxo3VZ-Xkl45Q546y_SyTFv4GRIbpScaXdRCXuyLr_j8hgPYB-9bGQv0w-6s520C1zk_ovVRRRkXc2XkEQkWw8E7z7DOI9LSZ1z-Dnom2xU6L7HLXco/s320/our-flag-means-death-poster-1693477335167.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">45. 11/27/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Flag_Means_Death" target="_blank">Our Flag Means Death</a></i><br />(Season 2, Max)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What is there NOT to love about this show?? The dynamics between the characters went through some rough waters this season (tee-hee) but they came out better than ever. Honestly, this show is so expertly written and performed, there isn't one character who isn't giving the audience so much to love and root for. Again, I shed tears for what might look, at first glance, like a silly little pirate show, but the depth to the relationships pulls at the heartstrings. Will there be another season? Man, I hope so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Charlotte:_A_Bridgerton_Story" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPoRVRlgVd_wead7n7J25YJpx3_uDruglDXEKxHCC3UHydfuRsZ2wra_XoYpPudB0Q8G9mIjVj3SDimP-XXa5IVOrsrR-LZQbL9kJ15aaP-a_U6-ovSwVwowCY1PdXPN4wOZ_rMgqZ7YkJkelOnhw5HRlYxcgQJS9nxfw9Rr2I7i8jnVGDaXT/s320/Queen_Charlotte-_A_Bridgerton_Story.png" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">44. 10/30/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Charlotte:_A_Bridgerton_Story" target="_blank">Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Netflix)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I came to Bridgerton later than the rest of the world and with a bit of trepidation. I expected it to be fluff, nothing more than a series of sex scenes dropped in the middle of a period piece. After watching the first two seasons, my mind wasn't completely changed, though I did find the actors to be charming and, of course, everyone is beautiful to behold. I had seen that this prequel limited series was out months ago, but I wasn't pining to watch it until my hairdresser told me how she loved it so much more than the main series. Taking her word, I started it and then was saddened to have finished it so quickly. I, too, found it more enjoyable, likely because it was more dramatic and had more depth than the main series, even in only six episodes. Realizing it is fictionalized history only slightly softened the blow when imagining what King George III, along with most people who even showed signs of mental illness, were subjected to throughout history. Not that having clinical depression and generalized anxiety is a walk in the park today, but I am so grateful for the treatments I've been fortunate enough to have had access to, and the 'treatments' of yore that I've never had to suffer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Have_I_Ever_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyFwfRVlEjoTTQeKm2jaTuxiOSlWe_sOzwglR2xQYXwNMWg0_dYtfAGjqWhcjwZAHNlBdWMMBNlYio4p9lN0fam8LqL-Bhu-yJSitZILZCdBC43fvFo2w3o8wxcwKDPUVGQUqNE43d8Vtvdx8cBYl8DJkD4oHJp0shxJJkka5kwSvYer5Mp5d/s320/neverhaveiever.webp" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">43. 10/23/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Have_I_Ever_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Never Have I Ever</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Seasons 1-4, Netflix)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started this series when it first came out in 2020, but I think my annoyance with the protagonist, Devi, outweighed my desire to watch, as I never finished the first season. Fast forward three years and after not having Netflix for a while, we signed up and I was reminded of this show. I binged the remainder of the first season through the series finale in a few weeks, watching when bored or doing chores, but honestly, this show had at least as many misses as hits for me. Lots of 'cringe' as the teens say, and the specifics are quite different than what my own HS senior is experiencing, though many of the broader themes were understandable and more relatable. All in all, I was glad for the Indian representation, which I'd never seen on a mainstream network/streamer, but I wish the characters weren't so irritating.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Bird_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vgFAy07_6rF9RgX6PMyXzL5tic9QNlLpPfVRC_o7aKCfUPMaIZL5jXH3FfvXQCCjblcJmNTV3qnc9iQyGSeVBEbJ6AMxH3Z815yjeMZGE-thntDQFktBOtHuz-DoozvJMnxw0cx-FXwOdNJR4LKJIY5jznXQRLkpdSnnHYa8H1l4WdMkQR96/s320/Lady_Bird_poster.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">42. 10/15/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Bird_(film)" target="_blank">Lady Bird</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Is this one of the best films ever made? Quite possibly, yeah. I think this was my third viewing, and my teen's millionth, and we each cried at exactly the points where we knew we would, and when she came over to sit close with me, I lost it even more. While we may not be exact replicas of the film's mother and daughter, there is a lot of thematic common ground. With this being her senior year in high school, the film hit closer to home than ever. Just such a real depiction of the perilous parent child relationship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tucker_%26_Dale_vs._Evil" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1379" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9qTXTA4lw3NOeoKIw_AC308nuop6IdlBzxESZsZFT2XqXwrKIrRerR5b1Y2bcXmpfvwOYFBZOLM9dvz1X06uGwy_rb_xFNgDRfT8goWE-MBERu_5-qCXd6CMVKYf8fNGgqiGZW_z9rC9OrP35IQ8aR6YAEmBf9wIWLoLJWw1j5XvZ48eiuws/s320/MV5BODQ5NDQ0MjkwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDg1OTU4NQ@@._V1_.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">41. 10/15/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tucker_%26_Dale_vs._Evil" target="_blank">Tucker and Dale vs. Evil</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't able to attend a community viewing of this film that I'd never heard of before seeing the event's advertising, so I was happy to see it was available on Hulu. This could easily be seen as a simple parody of a particular breed of old school horror flick, but there is a sly amount of social commentary here that was definitely the reason for it being shown in a local film series. It's a good thing that I didn't watch this in public, because my loud outbursts would have been pretty off-putting, I'm sure, but man, there were a lot of outburst-appropriate scenes! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Mirror" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdAPGQowKw0JlhlR66pEJzeYMqOCh1NZPyxHvdVHh_O1dSph1QgySDpZRu46aI335N4_K4fzcOMuKdwxJqK3SAxsBjPCPn-Ep7C7nUDTxj8EN4T7nEv6aNdJhNnx4IOC9uusF_oPE6QKlwymYqI8YpcWi3eR7bNHBD7w-9-cfZ8Yavxkt38xf/s320/black-mirror-season-6-on-netflix-release-date-and-all-you-may-want-to-know.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">40. 10/13/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Mirror" target="_blank">Black Mirror </a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 6, Netflix)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's a good word for the space where the feelings of horror and intrigue overlap? That's what I've felt since the beginning of Black Mirror, and the latest season was no different in that way. But in all other ways, the majority of this season was quite different. That first episode seemed like typical BM fare, but then we went into the past and with way less focus on the side effects of technology (or none at all). I don't care as much about the why behind the change as the result. The horror I felt at some episodes was still the same-- what people can end up doing to other people will never cease to shock. Even when there were elements of the supernatural, the light still shone very brightly on what humanity is capable of. At a time of major wars and genocidal attempts in the real world, the show continues to serve as a mirror indeed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Murders_in_the_Building" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaKTC4qt0_D-CccjInjeVQcmhoaJAanKjCEspqoNEoQEjJJZ5CnOKlkrdfCu-TftJ1nEkyIKu08pqKQQyvBSkvWc4C1MyH3XS2PlVcPNRTSWvIZ54uRidXxOXSggUtFHG-QVmqzijfQkc5KPWEih77r5HuUcg5X4xVxkC5TOnIXyMMG5vGtO3/s320/p24652923_b_v13_ab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">39. 10/4/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Murders_in_the_Building" target="_blank">Only Murders in the Building</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 3, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time around, I didn't wait to watch the newest season with the rest of the family because it was my distraction during Covid, Take Two. Well, at least the first 5 or so that were out by then. Maybe the magic of the first two seasons has dulled a wee bit, or maybe I was just less invested because I wasn't feeling well when I binged the first half. I was still overall entertained, and I'm happy to watch Paul Rudd in even the tiniest role, so no big complaints. Just wondering how long this schtick will be kept up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wzkuZT7XbsdfsVlbcK-gqivnx-nTOmAWWzxnu_y2jbek2H1P1hXkEYxwJLzBOh9A11-YGbkLeY-Z3AKdrKh2qMbXzHeylNtWFKQ481RHUYPbLnYFy-87sECMng6ADj_Nf-8TlysvlA_symfj91oZaUQiijtmT0S6DKOps0OakG2zhdL4Psw6/s320/p24749000_b_v13_aa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">38. 9/18/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)" target="_blank">What We Do in the Shadows</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 5, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This ridiculously absurd show brings me so much fucking joy. While I'm often easily amused, this is one of the few shows that has me belly-laughing again and again. It's unpredictable, and honestly, I never know what direction it's going in next. This season finale felt less dramatic than others in the past, but seeing as this finale also kinda served as a reset button for Guillermo, it makes sense. Will the master/familiar relationship ever progress toward something more romantic for him and Nandor? Could season six bring us there? Man, I hope this show never ends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Other_Black_Girl_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiMCUMCy6hlUtTrTO7BYolqKgo9mjZBMHQ_ynVGfn29I9QlI5hTWjH27gUkv_4ZuFUYT2Y3zK6L_ZiRO1_1L70EuXfKFkOVlQOr2tnpELVJEY_XqtuLnwqOCofHOu6FnCgFiNOHaBwpuS1Iji3vCCzmhMRiIE5sxFaI5xsduMRO8mvZpyG7Sx/s320/MV5BMGNiODM0NzktZjA5Zi00NWQ3LTljZGMtNDAwNGJhYThmNDYxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTM1NjM2ODg1._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">37. 9/15/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Other_Black_Girl_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Other Black Girl </a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think there will be another season, and I'd be interested in continuing to watch it. It's a good thing that all 10 episodes were released at once, because if I had to wait a week in between each, I think I would have been super frustrated. The pace is slooooooow for at least the first half of the season, with hints dropped here and there, but no real answers provided for quite a while. Even after the reveal, I'm left with questions-- what is in the grease? Who created it and how-- was Diana the creator or did someone give it to her? How does it actually work? What's Richard's role and why does he care? Are there supernatural elements at play? And, was that bowl that her boyfriend said was his grandmother's the same as Hazel-May's mother's bowl? So many questions! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hood_(2018_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nLl8N4ofKAqKcjhuLN1QBEePCq8IzQ69TpiptmZEkH2ShiXeYHJlseCizbQR6rQqP-9AqGXavyT9hsXHKB3txw9nZtL8eLZ3DWJQ0V9Bw41iJoLLMOu6VdMuObHfo49oBF1Ip1S0KvprYNrENE3qthUJEYrOANHgnXOlua_Cp4zfld4BH0aN/s320/Robin_Hood_(2018_film_poster).png" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">36. 9/14/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hood_(2018_film)" target="_blank">Robin Hood</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While still isolating in my bedroom with the 'vid, I saw someone on FB say that they watched this movie and were delighted to have a little dash of Tim Minchin. I read one review of the movie first, and then against my instincts, I pulled it up to watch, and I should have listened to my instincts because this wasn't my kind of flick. The action parts were filmed with a modern day intensity, which was a whole lot. The story was predictable and a bit cheesy, but there were a bunch of beautiful people on screen. Then the whole "magical Negro" trope was god awful, and so damn played out. Other than Tim Minchin's grating English accent, I did chuckle at some of his lines and delivery. It was left on a cliffhanger, so I wonder if they're ever going to make a sequel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Hard_Feelings_(2023_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs43603-7-GYUMSYpBE8wkaxOEBdVmqSTGJlGhj0SQJ0ZVXxY8dslimizPKgb1ahzrENJnfUpxgyeRUkllTQI_6RC6kpFIGyK9V8q9Zs_V-2UbJXs9cajH2uA9nq_SWSwimu7oV9heez8UsaHHLQnWu40ETNouetwKwbWK8l_Fh9L-nzK6_7Kz/w270-h400/no-hard-feelings.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">35. 9/10/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Hard_Feelings_(2023_film)" target="_blank">No Hard Feelings</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Woah, that was terrible. I want to say that the filmmakers were going for some statements here, maybe about parenting, teenage mental health, bullying, online interactions, something, anything of substance, but they never quite went more than an inch deep. Everything just felt too <i>off</i> in this movie... kind of like the movie poster-- what is happening with JLaw's face? There are laughs here, but few that you feel good about, and it quickly falls into an overwhelmingly predictable spiral of a story. Boo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleishman_Is_in_Trouble_(miniseries)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS3FEyPuLloe4VdQAf3nrf83Jk_7U7jzPwNL1zzesbukYjMz4SpatcmfGKgsx48BTwLCuokDEQsCU33INDDvM0y2ffaVxLV_oSl95GCXqOGalBJm-2ybysttPf_EDgpfPnz-bXFdCf-yJEUqdW1uYt7Wu4KwnyXSvaFNwjkoGRjoRaHzFHEXV/w274-h400/Fleishman_Is_in_Trouble_(miniseries).png" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">34. 9/8/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleishman_Is_in_Trouble_(miniseries)" target="_blank">Fleishman is in Trouble</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Miniseries, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did not read the novel this miniseries was based on, and after watching it, I'm pretty sure I don't want to. Hubby and I began watching this months ago but only got through a couple of episodes before we forgot about it and didn't return. While I was stuck in my bedroom isolating with Covid round two, I picked it back up. I jumped right back in and quickly remembered that we were being led to think quite negatively about the wife and more positively about the husband (names aren't important here, because I've already forgotten them). But that was uncomfortable, and it became even more uncomfortable, and I couldn't get my bearings with any of the characters to be honest. I didn't know if I actually liked any of them, but I definitely found myself understanding more and more that the narrator was expressing. But the saddest part of all of this really quite sad show was that it seemed none of the characters had actual friends who they loved and felt truly themselves with, not even among the college trio supposedly at the center of it all. Overall, I found it depressing without much reward.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Afterparty_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfhBgWcwWA77wliEfw54IxXP1WzoQTC3BJw9xSlzlDnK0PcVbs0PV3kbpc7IzMgwAwXHUhNOxcsJn1w2c3QFN_sZu6GwbWG3SCVMkTRZbyp6gKUF20T_ORuKtvh0PFwMu1RB2fvt3gOTUfGrd8r1ApCJ1dyMkxkR-x6If3ShIa2cw80klJxt3/w400-h309/11%20x%208.5%20in.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">33. 9/6/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Afterparty_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Afterparty</a></i><br />(Seasons 1-2, Apple TV+)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I binged these two seasons, getting all the way to the penultimate episode of the 2nd season before finding out that the finale wasn't yet released! I needed to wait almost an entire week! I tell you, I'm entertained by a whodunnit, and I'm terrible at figuring out the mysteries, so I was 0/2 here, but trying to figure out who's the murderer isn't even the fun part of this show. The fun is the ridiculous genre parodies of each character's "mind movie" and the goofy banter between the characters. I definitely liked the second season more, but I can't quite put a finger on why. Happy to hear there's a third season in the works!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upload_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFRnbCo3JoW2Q4RfZunfpRoXOPKHf0gocoKw302Lb-Kqc_-WVJ2mdU4SrO4fzw1qKPHf731UKjIXA1LLOK7QTkZisb3Yta1YJRWeHrLORnAZ6-IQ-6gZqeyLjKWam-Hd8lk9suKb1lm6ePUvvyskXsXFGGy4edU-zUm5t3RAyZ6L0gEUB2h54/w400-h300/91l7azImXyL._RI_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">32. 7/31/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upload_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Upload</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 2, Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apparently the second season came out more than a year before we got around to watching it. I guess I forgot most of what happened, because I was completely lost for at least the first two episodes or so. I just don't think this show (season?) was good at storytelling. There were occasional clever lines or bits that had me crack up, but overall, I lost interest. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody_Somewhere_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIwehPE7lGjsfDmyz7h4a2EX8MguZx05xUGzPsbxZ4-m7Ar5mCSpW1yz63_9zbvijXWEd3ILCbvqnYdrM1ouHaGNx9zJ51hRyIifyTzFIsXSwPKWHUM_8aU0IrURZ-NIi8rumo8vfdoXPhduMElB_aqLci_ULMAoHjRcE2DN82-a6Ail-8U9O/w270-h400/2415400.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">31. 7/27/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody_Somewhere_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Somebody Somewhere</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Seasons 1 & 2, Max)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was quiet and then not quiet, funny and then serious, and always touching. I was immediately taken in by Sam (Bridget Everett), and the complexities of her character were so believable and relatable. I loved that the show popped in and out of so many small moments so realistically, knowing that the big parts of our lives can found in those small happenings. The character of Joel was so dear and just <i>good</i>, and I think everyone should have a version of him in their lives. Cannot wait to reunite with these characters and their stories. Oh! Fred Rococo! The absolute best!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="850" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkIMK3b2_zZXbOaaqrTGsYTVt4SLbulDcgkZ7jqtSvAmghmHhFn1rpPv50A2xiRFoXK5Q71I2i6xOBjHQXbhvcvNqb690K8A0txjNQATNGfbSK93xwoWSi3ByU9gjN__VkeM_CNn40j3kYycHHvRA5cf8-gQ4yJyCpzgZvgdNIdt2MqFykHPc/s320/s-l1600.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">30. 7/21/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(film)" target="_blank">Barbie</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(theater)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a kid, I had a couple Barbies, and more than a couple knock-off dolls, and I played with them through elementary school, and maybe even a little into junior high, though I'd likely not have admitted it at the time. As a parent, I didn't buy my kids any Barbie dolls, though my middle child was gifted a couple, and they ended up with the expected chopped hair and naked bodies splayed about the other toys. I had strong feelings about the body dysmorphia and hatred that a Barbie doll could bring about, so while I didn't ban them, I certainly didn't celebrate them. All of that being said, it's clear I had a complicated history with the Mattel creation, but I immediately knew I wanted to see the movie when it came out, so there we were on the opening Friday and I didn't know how I'd react. From the jump, I was laughing, and then on the turn of a dime, there I was wiping away quickly flowing tears. Honestly, I loved this flick-- smart, clever, and really touching. And the best line? "I would never wear heels if my feet were shaped like this." You're damn right, Barbs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrinking_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPTtKtMGMtKgrMEYXf0Ybt6YCMu9yUdEk2MwzPTrFHqXOe9n8vSlWXxO7z8wJ4hrpjiaBX0zACwtQHa1uJStEDklS_jzqAT1aXZRgpH6pBSPIDlTZ7nfKxaPAw-itHdfEhX1nYYf4Z299H5o9kPn4P39_5myVR_2pSspEGtRaC1AkY20_oB7H/s320/ShrinkingTVPoster.png" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">29. 7/17/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrinking_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Shrinking</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 1, Apple TV+)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one is easy-- I loved every single thing about this show. The plot? Touching and emotional, yet lots and lots of room for humor. The cast? Brilliant. The writing? CHEF'S MOTHERFUCKING KISS. Seriously, I wouldn't change a thing. There is so much depth here, and the portrayals of these very, very real characters are just so well done. I savored every scene, wanting nothing more than to jump in and hang out with everyone. Okay, I do have to say that the tone shifted hella dramatically in the very final scene of the season, and I'm a tad worried about what it will mean for season two. But I want to go out on a high note with these darling characters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bear_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="726" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ipqmLMaJtn4Y_DFT6YL2UMOR84y7omFTVWs8WyPjFI4v-JVXI2EJuloE-rXX-uIrxNo4R1k_F14hEdFWWyqZbfBE1zLqdYiXfMzu3CZb11d_AIy8oeF6uXdzcZ8Yyn6Xo4u15l6kI95lL1fqFC9XuemEvm2AuUJRkrQ7p4DxVgGqids4AyQl/w400-h300/the-bear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">28. 7/11/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bear_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Bear</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 2, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Holy character development, season 2! I have just one complaint about this season, and that it wasn't long enough. Seriously, I could watch this show for hours and hours. This season had more quiet moments, focusing on one character at times, giving us tiny glimpses into tiny moments, because those tiny moments all add up to meaning. Now, don't get me wrong, the loud, intense, HUGE moments were there, too, but I felt less like I needed to vomit while watching than I did during the first season. Maybe I felt more reassured that everyone was going to be okay, or some semblance of okay. Except for maybe the Christmas dinner episode... damn, that was beyond perfection in its pain and joy, beauty and ugliness of a family. PERFECTION, I say. The end of the season leaves me wanting more, of course, and also wanting to slap the idea that one cannot be professionally successful and personally happy right out of Carmy's gorgeous, gorgeous head. Season 3 cannot come soon enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy_(season_19)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HvmBhen5SXCjtrMnj8oXV4YIoVvQ7vI9DF6_ZF_2kZHkwuvgJIVHv34iPEaoPOOYXWEbutnistazF3lWzyRLfUp_X6FNDR5cT9FerkkdfIAzQYsmlfNnwz_HZBp6k5Vfv7FTvSUMP9-KpNFGqWBg5WWK1a0SLlwWUxlDAPX-JDVDIxDe9-LC/s320/634x848-Q90_646c4f25b40e177b25738f57c3c7c514.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">27. 6/27/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy_(season_19)" target="_blank">Grey's Anatomy</a></i><br />(Season 19, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The show that will never, ever end. I don't even remember everything that happened this season, as I binged in a couple different stages. Thought there was going to be another plane crash (FFS), but nope, just a little nudge to everyone that life is short, yada yada yada. Meredith Grey left, but then showed up again in the finale with a BIG THING (as per usual), so I'm guessing that's not the last we'll see of her. Just call it already, Shonda. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man:_Into_the_Spider-Verse" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTxTH93zBmS2qE1sBqquG2p8f-5ASQ2Ji3GwfKxVezaeLfuVJ2Zo7d9OEWTcuRbV8DyXpTDneXvWp8UGi5cv3fyG1B_vcsWfscvdKzJy0VMvJHF42UBRFL5RDDZgJl6dhunqDj_78UU6pE9ZPeqtsQiwolSjdhmJH3q6RWf2qlcOR7Dgv4Q/s320/Spider-Man_-_Into_the_Spider-Verse_(2018)_Theatrical_Poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">26. 6/6/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man:_Into_the_Spider-Verse" target="_blank">Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I only watched this because of the folks on the "Pop Culture Happy Hour" podcast. After Hubby went to see the sequel (without having seen this one either!), we listed to the episode where they discussed the follow-up, and the praise they lavished on it and this first one was impressive, even from a self-proclaimed "not a superhero movie person" reviewer. I am also definitely not a superhero movie person, but this was incredibly enjoyable, even when I couldn't visually follow all the speedy action or I had no idea who was who and what was going on. Visually, it's incredible, and there was a sweet story in the center of it all. Guess I gotta see the sequel that's out now and the one to come, too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_Duty_(2023_TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Zam2l6mUaiK9lxKFH1bjjihrQ503B4o5wjvqd2sWsYrNUfKr3IR7APgPua-NDpQvZ6gkKIvGiyZeEzKKujyD7PK7t7MaYEaEpxGSTcN-OtdX6p1nfjMjawC1AaykVuP8Md-wIHZo3QQoNB3-Ct_Ck03JhJs4L6dzHHzYFLvF6wkF5DByg/s320/p24256448_b_v13_aa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">25. 6/5/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_Duty_(2023_TV_series)" target="_blank">Jury Duty</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Freevee)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was such a unique and surprising show! Silly premise, and utter ridiculous obstacles that they threw at this guy! We laughed a ton at this, even as I kept asking myself if it was at all possible for this guy to not pick up on the strangeness of it all. The final episode that reveals everything to him was so fun to watch, because he's experiencing it the same as us. I wonder if they'll ever make another season or something similar, because it was just so funny! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNuMt7z0kmWu04shk27B8t5m_BsMKqemeDSBR4FWpbnod6qyD1qSrSUSYhkr_De_XZ6N4ehsokOvEbOPv6N_ehfy0oAGkkSzCmuEMC3qd3Z7T-3Xd--20jHrqu5R_ZNDgYatsMYQ98E5ZJKpV2BVFfaW2oMYC_1El5iBbZbw0HYcawVUtGw/s320/The-Great-S3-Key-Art-385x570.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">24. 6/1/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Great</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 3, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, dang, this season was a bit of a roller coaster. This show doesn't purport to be historically accurate in the least, but I also don't know anything about Russian history, so I wouldn't know what's real or not anyway! So when something big happened this season, I had no idea if it was even close to real life, but it definitely surprised me. And I was surprised to find myself saddened, too! Had a whole lot of laughs this season, as well, and the writing continues to be outrageous. Can't wait to see next season! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="190" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVFy5p9mzd3MY1IGgzou2X6QwXBV8vwVdOGQralLY_vvR-qGyW0J1M9owtorMWZxZUCiuCOLNYwRMesZhVLhaxO5fEPF4XaHdWRB_C5bAGYWAAhGbqOHIP-HWhcAXAIlPH4zQdw2J-ZAtN-KiWxtaXOpNUJuBgPJ8ReiXt3SW3rVFY4r5fw/s1600/MV5BMTdmZjBjZjQtY2JiNS00Y2ZlLTg2NzgtMjUzMGY2OTVmOWJiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDM2NDM2MQ@@._V1_QL75_UX190_CR0,0,190,281_.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">23. 6/1/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso" target="_blank">Ted Lasso</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 3, Apple TV+)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I was a professional reviewer, apparently I needed to be super critical of the latest- and final- season of Ted Lasso, because the headlines indicate there was so much missing from this season. Good thing I'm not a professional, because I loved this season, just as much as the previous ones. The characters had more side stories going on, and that allowed us to see them from different perspectives. The whole family enjoyed watching this show together, which is so, so, so rare. I'm going to miss this gem of a show. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblULchDZan0IBv239ytq6sB_Uh6PrP_8E8ROgT8vmg9bXgMS2hFc3n29-I4cv_0oSMf3qyIaYt28zF9eQemlpZetmnZ4GALh1agfWw_TjNM3qMuJ-1hOlB9DUYp28vEX2iUZNilWTXB_Mop4qh2ft3EeIH4goMscOBOTMfesVGS_pDPV10Q/s320/p23934621_b_v13_ab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">22. 5/29/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Succession</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Seasons 1-4, HBO Max)<br />Friends of mine have been RAVING about this show for a couple years now and saying that I should watch it, but I didn't cave... for a while. With it being in its final season, I figured I'd give it a go since I could get through it. Thank all the gods that I didn't have to wait very long to see the conclusion, because my viewing experience wasn't as good as theirs. Yes, the writing is razor-sharp and the acting is incredible, but the despicable characters consistently made me nauseous. I'm usually good with complex characters, and I certainly don't expect all of my fictional characters to be nothing but wholesome, but these just went too far for me. And they weren't entirely fictional, right? Because there are plenty of these 1% assholes whose deplorable actions fuck everyone else, and things that happened in this show have absolutely happened in real life. I couldn't get past it. The main characters all had the intelligence, understanding, and resources to make less harmful choices, or heavens forbid, actually positive and productive ones. The finale made me cheer. You all lose. But not really, because you'll always have your money to wipe your tears.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbott_Elementary_(season_2)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGrf2TJs6dP5i_yNHpesL9i8yhD5U4ZyYWuygiYV_rDeG_7nIM6rSQ1C5zA5CHYpgpvycckj2u6RODt7dlavu-qAbFfacbr2aNizMTbiBERqnspDFgVnu_-ulMwIjdhjEbERZLq7-o4YtKiK_gEcgDdysFdx8REs4CX6rNPWI5soi5AEXqQ/s320/AbbottElementaryS2Poster.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">21. 5/24/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbott_Elementary_(season_2)" target="_blank">Abbott Elementary </a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 2, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I continue to enjoy this one, and I appreciate its balance of traditional sitcom qualities and Quinta Brunson's creative touch. The characters were able to show more dimensions this season, and it's clear why they make for a fantastic teaching staff... wishing that part was more realistic to our own children's elementary school experiences...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Bargatze" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0T-wMfbtkF4-MRa1DiO0pgzbkPEgy74ztnQs7eqeO6rjsgMorh8xPLODPRzNfH4pSk8XS4R25H1TtCWwGLOI7h1XK1X0BLOWAqW0tWR3RTE9TcQSY3_wHcsU6Z1UQL7ZC23www7IMdKGnKLxS7h25p3hK632F86URzm153t40QD7PSJbxg/s320/MV5BYWJjMTRhYjQtNDBhYS00MjY0LTg3ZDQtZmQ2MjNkM2M3NDNiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjkwOTAyMDU@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">20. 5/16/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Bargatze" target="_blank">Nate Bargatze: Hello, World!</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't remember the first time I saw Nate Bargatze do stand-up, but I do remember laughing hard. Clips of him cross my social media on the daily, and I finally got around to watching this special from earlier this year. I may have been a bit loopy when watching, but damn if I wasn't in tears at every one of his stories. His style is so perfectly measured, and his dry delivery just kills me. He's one I'd like to see in person someday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_House_(2022_film)#:~:text=The%20House%20is%20a%202022,the%20pursuit%20of%20true%20happiness." style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LAZWedy_UKjne93hymXMKZO-Fc0EkDVRUD4Yw-ecIn91N-0V3BiJEkXFjivNd37MSQnDYRt6LIm1B9cekRUCc0NIFTDw_u2MpJYuYwtNZsxyQG5bWZ1ruT0sIreg7ELbTj9xn76FCjZbuzmIvyqExDoFZ__L4zvxk3xEva0DSD-zkdkCrw/s320/MV5BOWM4NDgyN2QtN2UzNS00Y2YyLWJjMTgtNjljNjk2MmJjMjdmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEzMTI1Mjk3._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">19. 5/5/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_House_(2022_film)#:~:text=The%20House%20is%20a%202022,the%20pursuit%20of%20true%20happiness." target="_blank">The House</a> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Netflix)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our friend resurrected "Weird Movie Night" and said he'd found the perfect flick for our viewing pleasure. We viewed it, alright, but there was no pleasure involved. This weird-ass, stop motion movie with felt figures freaked most of us out. Interesting storytelling, but no satisfactory resolution to any of the three stories... I hope I forget the choreographed dance sequence with dozens of bugs soon enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27re_the_Worst" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPgsArOx-4MYceOyMoUI024y4Mwcbg1i1t-EQtHPOfcni4DHXtslMf-29Ptg3nvuTwQ8PYtSE8HLa9p0ANkfhgKQ_QPlfLrUxfL3UZ7HPXn5YQ2hN4BgvbGkWNCiUaG-9Ufyt29SXBG37_vAQhVTrblZ3P825BEO3T0ICv_vYpoj_dlnuKA/s320/p16217307_b1t_h10_aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">18. 5/5/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27re_the_Worst" target="_blank">You're The Worst </a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Seasons 1-5, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This show was confusing to me, because at first I hated it, but kept watching episodes out of spite, I think. Then I began to care about the characters just a teeny bit, but would then get disappointed by their latest assholish behavior and want to quit, but I also hate not knowing what will happen so I kept going. And that cycle continued for 5 freaking seasons. In the end, I can say that I loved the theme song, and continued to wish that it would just come true-- and stay true-- once and for all. Truly these characters were the worst-- at least the title doesn't lie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Am_I_Being_Unreasonable%3F" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSTSNPPdnRVhMtRaCSYFYjXvEdpj-ReVDnDps_aplv6iX8hM8dMoIqWZtW3-9HMEREbV5Sl4udwFZKw97CXbyzJL1yyayJq_uJkOgMPJDajM2Ur4SdTpPgbwRz0jPDzkU8AOGCV44HZiKVOnt0afeu_7iKUgsYtsRIPVonXdk6Lknr0GMlg/s320/MV5BNDMwZmZlZDAtOGQzMy00YTkwLWI4YTUtMjRkMGYxMDhmMDYwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjEwOTY1NDg@._V1_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">17. 4/16/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Am_I_Being_Unreasonable%3F" target="_blank">Am I Being Unreasonable?</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I saw the trailer for this a little while back, my first impression was that it was a wacky British comedy, and I already loved the protagonist from the clips shown, so I went in ready for silly laughs. Those were there, and there was something more. By the end of the first episode, I was starting to realize this was more than a comedy, but I didn't want to read anything online. I'm really glad I didn't, because this was far different than I expected, and it was quite the ride. I was ecstatic to see that it was renewed for a second season, because this story is far, far from over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiny_Beautiful_Things_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRFZr092LnrgTIe1cfoNuyxrBQYY-MIPzRjnhVa__YENaBSeh3PaFAsEa9k3-Hsxs4__pDyhrvF7vEdSCfgHBtvAm4GRhFvpyHzJMofW64z24k3og3NzUkXcfRnwyVVY2-_Xo10zLOhVOCCxYeH54ym86tGhllbnVUs2sZLWEFCZcwG5JDA/s320/MV5BZDZjZDA5YjUtZDVjYS00YWI4LTlhZTctYTZkMjg5YTQ1MGM0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTU5OTc2NTk@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">16. 4/14/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiny_Beautiful_Things_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Tiny, Beautiful Things</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two shows back-to-back about adult women coming to terms with their relationship with their mothers was maybe not the best choice, but it was interesting to stay in theme. This limited series ("no talk for a second season") was simply beautiful, super emotional, and overall well done. Kathryn Hahn is a masterpiece in everything she does, and here she was raw, flawed, and often desperate, and incredibly relatable in all her messiness. I do wish there would be more episodes made but I understand that resolution isn't a part of every single story. Highly recommend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_%26_Beth" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V5MmEKvrI_poOuZdZgf3GkkXmzDOCNcAUQxEHHEwEQiV2E_7WqFJ2xEMBpLnybcYX5-DosgUtgJsTdEeXzd7F4VN31jvdrxLFlYPpE91sm7fBuAYbcWyhh4M-kC-yTYviP2OwWL9Ly-BLNZypsrNNpX6wjEbNK8JdEtNB-pawQTR8h1DWA/s320/MV5BM2MyNjIzNzAtNzEyMi00OGJlLTk2YWEtMDg0Y2QxZTZlMzEwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDM2NDM2MQ@@._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15. 4/7/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_%26_Beth" target="_blank">Life & Beth</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't expecting much from this series, and I already have pretty mixed feelings about Amy Schumer as a comedic creator, so I began this show as background noise while I did chores. Then I found myself standing still instead of folding clothes or washing dishes, and I realized I was super drawn in. I loved the mix of bizarrely funny lines or happenings intermingled with some serious personal and family traumas, and I found it actually quite well done. This ended up being moving and tender in surprising ways.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_Down" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n5ludkyRYAZJH6A5JSC6su_WRB6PiLwmBEj1SfyZkvlk1595-stpik1loEeqcXz9hfSp3Jz8ZPknfaP2-_nlZo7b9gbpLAL6LYVz91AW18WhJbhvUhYrwGAMvCtFWa-pSuTIm-XDxKhDtDnFpxnByqSHgT902X85QpVkv29ksx8nLvDUJA/s320/1-12606410063.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">14. 4/1/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_Down" target="_blank">Party Down</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Seasons 1 & 2, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A friend had been recommending this series for YEARS, and Hubby and I started it a long while back but somehow kept forgetting that we'd started it and going months and months between episodes. It was funny enough at first, but neither of us were compelled to binge it. Then in March of this year, I decided to give it another go, because the reboot had begun and our friend was going on about it all again. I restarted the second season because I wasn't sure where we had left off, and I watched it on my own over lunch breaks and dishwashing sessions. I definitely laughed more and became a bit more taken with the characters. Best show ever? Not for me, but I'm happy to tell my friend I got plenty of chuckles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Madigan" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbukF5bh3j9i9vZjJl5dzAoPuPh2ZpH5QzPtPCMR_xvh21JnkIHU36kU4bqkJoZKbzLYG8aPtwCzRmltYtlJvEsjW1sHcufy-9RclDpBWX46AN7oEEO_RluNEGuc5FGgdjAL10oL7bm94vKDAYxMkdKLHQWLKoLS9I8wlK1m2xMOpB1N985w/s320/MV5BNjczMTQwZjktMjEyYS00NDdlLTlkMzktZDRmYzEyODIxYTgwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjkwOTAyMDU@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">13. 3/25/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Madigan" target="_blank">Kathleen Madigan: Hunting Bigfoot</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scott was getting clips on TikTok of Kathleen Madigan's latest special while we were lying in bed, and we were cracking up, so he pulled up the whole special. While I mostly listened rather than watched, I was laughing almost the whole time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid%27s_Tale_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFAUMRgJ0Kbpm_-HBxmwddPOqI6P79ArGmmFQqH_xZImvLlCubXDlBCwF7P_7enMVXe9qsl1kr_BS_e64GTp9R2wQKQa6rpprHKnGGKh-hsNSmwrnZhL32oWrROsOICyJrNiECd1gBUm5qKHIOV-PWIHT7RZBRH02KyZacHkhkNxQJcx0_Q/s320/The-Handmaids-Tale-Season-5-Poster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">12. 3/2/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid%27s_Tale_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Handmaid's Tale</a> </i><br />(Season 5, Hulu)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I put off watching this latest season for months because I wasn't sure I could take it. I don't know what shifted one day, but I just turned it on and took the plunge. From the very beginning, I knew it was good I had waited, because this season was intense. I guess they all are. I love/hate this show, so much because it makes me terrified in the real world, and after binging this season in a couple of days, every news story I hear about anti-trans legislation and abortion rights restrictions just hit a bit different. One more season to go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_in_the_Iron_Mask" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaPKO3qlKJPH69OwlLY_01Zd2_pnylSwD8nL24r-lQ6WSZ51A0KWnvO3YfuUd5BEdWvvqRc-Bxsma-2iC1xJwDNxQBIoEMHrIT0vlJyc1IhpUSsUjq-p7msvzYsrSVj51CZn0Gr_t7cMXL3Eenk4a4I7t7rQtLuJUM3p_fb5UqawQDiwFzQ/s320/MV5BZjM2YzcxMmQtOTc2Mi00YjdhLWFlZjUtNmFmMDQzYzU2YTk5L2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTAyODkwOQ@@._V1_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11. 2/22/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_in_the_Iron_Mask" target="_blank">The Man in The Iron Mask</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(HBO)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had remembered that Hubby and I had liked this movie when it came out, so I suggested it for night #2 of Young Leo viewing. I had not remembered it being so goddamn cheesy!! I still quite enjoyed the watching experience, but it was definitely more punctured with laughs and teasing, but we actually had a blast together. When did the French regular people finally get to stop being so hungry???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_%2B_Juliet" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uCiWZ276OPGdPT6qKDETLZkvNN3pwZk3_WBvZnPY83yLlr4FYx3hk4TSTUvshQcIkaILT1pYbwvlRrTI6i43t6Bg6UoWCzznSurgr48JtQWu8f1szDuWNpyUkOVwF0lFKwtC8IG-WJ2wMP51FtXg3TwRwQJMYRtJuikC9CigGsn9Q5iPJw/s320/51SMhLUgVBL.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. 2/21/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_%2B_Juliet" target="_blank">Romeo + Juliet</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(HBO)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The 16 year old has discovered Young Leonardio DiCaprio. She's liked Old Leo for a bit now, but upon all the anniversary talk around <i>Titanic</i>, she's ready to jump into all movies Young Leo, so we started with this one. Obviously at the top of my list, for although I know that culture has taken the entire R+J story and made it a romantic thing that it actually isn't, and I don't think was meant to be, I'm still a sucker for this version. It's campy, flashy, loud (both auditorily and visually), and everyone is so damn adorable. Listening to my kid swoon in the very same ways I did (albeit at a slightly older age) was heavenly. 10/10.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upright_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1075" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFWXxMJuhc2dsoDN3UNLnCG_DM1R13tBYEmLZPOJY60TFawLgdERbr6aTdpXeFQ7B4yrm__BRL88fZu0cSoth28afGcOuEG1p3-3Jt6FuKJuGzH5-UeHodYEWm0GxhZJmtDExUYpUKi1TEmccHK6qSG7BCCsMZ7J9gjn2ZaGVMvIQu608mA/s320/ENT02462_402_Upright_S2_SS_PreTX_1080x1080-1.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. 2/4/23 & 7/20/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upright_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Upright</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 2, AMC+ on Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tim Minchin is a god among performers. Somehow, season two might have been even better than season one. There's so much emotion and heart to go along with the outrageously ridiculous shenanigans Lucky and Meg find themselves in again. More Australian nature got highlighted, but I do have to say that I was disappointed that a cassowary was mentioned early in the season and then one never actually appeared! But that was my only complaint, as this is a brilliantly told story of where Meg and Lucky are fours years after the first season. Will there be more???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*******</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally got Hubby to watch both seasons with me, and while he was distressed at times by the chaotic nature of Lucky and Meg's hijinks, he laughed and cried a bunch, too, so I think it was a hit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nope_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="602" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMMDa623GlYCxNov0OC_kH3K3Fdhv6TW3Q5TqLT9_rUgc2aspujp4w2ppOiyELPpgO8fhTUoGhzzSPQbT2IXuifB38o95KH1vjcIPQOPEZWBngcQuHIUBLAH6S0ChCDQVDgJSs_AP9N0C7jDyRjzjt04LWERI6H3_r3Lb8RjO0BfdsUNT9g/s320/main-qimg-4580aff63bce9ff80892e73cae2d7b6d-lq.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. 1/28/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nope_(film)" target="_blank">Nope</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finally got around to watching this, and I had the pleasure of watching with two 16-year-olds who have seen it multiple times and didn't want me to miss one detail of foreshadowing or imagery... a bit of a different viewing experience than if I'd gone to the theater like I originally wanted, but fun nonetheless. I wasn't as blown away by this one as I was by <i>Get Out</i>, but I still have mad respect for Jordan Peele and his filmmaking brilliance. While not as actually scary as I had expected, I was still on edge, very often because I couldn't quite see clearly enough to know what could possibly happen next! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21379618/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGJSegP9ddyssdf3wHTCik6ccH38YGYoepG7dPbO_lQDu4SoBAOcV35V0x4Qqfgr2dxxaT-EmkOXii5PmDN3NsgG8CiG83O7Sl6hKuCQF5kwuIJnmGkkKH7XxsRl_A6bzYWiQSnNlpFpqfjaafPfmKW1HxweibQ9NghjOfbJAjYT-OyWrmg/s320/MV5BN2VkN2FkNDItOTBlZC00MGIwLWJjZDctZDZjYmEwNTFhMTBjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA3MTI2ODc5._V1_.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. 1/27/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21379618/" target="_blank">Patton Oswalt: We All Scream</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Netflix)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Patton Oswalt begins talking about the dangers of simply getting older, I was laughing along in commiseration, but things took a dark-ass turn when he compared himself and the cause of his broken foot injury to "someone's aunt who fell off a curb because she saw a bird." A little over a year ago, I did indeed fall off a curb because I saw a bird... and sprained my ankle, which eventually left me wearing a boot for 6 weeks when I finally went to the doctor. Goddamn you, Patton Oswalt, for stealing my material! While no other joke hit <i>quite </i>that close to home, I did laugh a ton and the special served its purpose for me during a solo lunch break. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wednesday_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="262" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2RqbKfjNEZ4qnRO9hPTSKqZ3gwUjF9Zcwa3dbAi0YWanPvcZS5-YORq116IKRy-iV6CM7FP-tXnAppRJvibMjiHdejzT6suYvgKRlJBcCtWggtwnzSeXcnw0mJQyM79e_XjE5Tbvbu0AHeaZlagtMPxpbbH9VbYZ9X-GeI5bWyeJBB1utg/s320/Wednesday_Netflix_series_poster.png" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. 1/24/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wednesday_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Wednesday</a> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Season 1, Netflix)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ooh, I quite enjoyed this first season and I was happy to know that by the time I eventually got around to watching it, Netflix had already renewed it for a second! Jenna Ortega was just incredible in this role-- intimidating and smart, and able to hold a stare and never blink on camera once. I had fun trying to solve the mystery, having some solid hunches even if not fully solving it in time. I've seen the fan theories and questions about the ending and what could be possible in the next season, but I'm sure I'll have to rewatch much of this to refresh my memory by the time the next season comes out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridesmaids_(2011_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1013" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0hJcmqWwn2KH_h6gvVJY9YVF756OWuDt9BjK_9T6_xjYE5UNkigRFqLOr7-hKv1N69KWxcpSgt3MOktP5NzL53YWTY3Pw9tjT_vovFl9ehPSpJoD405F2B2iioN4URL5co6QTjw3w3KxrGVMXfyKhOvvcMF6wP-EbWOqfEq1E9RF_nb0xQ/s320/MV5BMjAyOTMyMzUxNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODI4MzE0NA@@._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. 1/15/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridesmaids_(2011_film)" target="_blank">Bridesmaids</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While on a short weekend getaway with Hubby, we watched this classic and cracked up over and over again. This movie is so ridiculous, painfully so at times when the bickering between the brides' two supremely different besties goes on for far too long. But I still laugh through every single uncomfortable moment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon_(2022_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITMOyLrSmEbEV_3dtRIlIgm92ExZqmWMxImdCCldpSq2KW_oeK8MsXPRodUtP04rNBk7oAqEV5DV778ulVocSnp4MPTs5yuiVn99G2qA8KXEuC6geTuCeXjus1kbEGjaBf04Qs5kWeKYkY2YXTAQOXAL9ax3BfrWEH1hzXbL9wqU5j1R63A/s320/BabylonOfficialTheatricalPoster2022.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. 1/11/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon_(2022_film)" target="_blank">Babylon</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(theater)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Would I suggest seeing this in the theater if you were planning on watching it? Yes, absolutely. Would I suggest bringing your 15- and 16-year-olds along with you? No, no I most definitely would not. Having done both of those, I can say this-- this film is grand and huge and chaotic and frenetic and so often just too fucking much and other times pretty damn funny and other times super interesting. But, when it's just too fucking much, it's beyond too fucking much. There are things we'll never unsee. That being said, it was definitely an experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Delaney" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="886" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsPBXtg3ZueJNNJ7K7FSeNTdNRkuhdQv_q_uSDK7gy9O26-yTQEaZPgTyaC9Z07ne7209Q-GPWb_x3H8ynjtsKmzNqtCHf-vsZKObTZekWwcXspZa0ZSxc7G32R9XkZyeD6grYsABfb64HtjJNVPAX7EAJBVPkJWbJaffoQi-D3zHhY9WXA/s320/MV5BYmY4NmNjOTctMDk0YS00NmRlLWIzMTEtM2RlNTc5MjI5MWRkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTExMTc4Mjk1._V1_.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. 1/8/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Delaney" target="_blank">Rob Delaney: Jackie</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until a week or so ago, Rob Delaney hadn't ever been on my radar, but after watching the entirety of <i>Catastrophe</i>, I find myself super drawn to his work. Amazon Prime let me know that he had a comedy special that came out three years ago, and it made for the perfect accompaniment to some weekend chores. I take in Delaney's brashness as bordering on charming, and his profane delivery hits the right notes for me when talking about the realms of marriage and parenthood. I'm putting his most recent memoir on my TBR list, because I've heard nothing but amazing reviews. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catastrophe_(2015_TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK1WVmAqVurEND69GL3ppph1k-2Vb_xnuttQJdBz4sh5UoDN0vE32i1gQzowZdQMSFISoB10TpU10ZVRuYGLeF4C110T25ujBDFIPqxYSzhtG6hgK_BPcx8PT3vOsZhYu2vsS61Olr4YNcY5eyVWQGYxwr5wSUcO1GFBsOMoe_MB09gzHEA/s320/MV5BNzMwNTI2MzIzM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODUxMjE0NzM@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. 1/5/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catastrophe_(2015_TV_series)" target="_blank">Catastrophe</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Seasons 1-4, Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All hail Sharon Horgan, actor extraordinaire. Everything she touches is instant gold to me. I binged all four seasons of this pretty quickly at the start of the year, and I wanted so much more than just six episodes per season. The chemistry between the protagonists is undeniable, and while they were more volatile a couple than I think Hubby and I are, there was still much to relate to and chuckle along while trying not to cry. I didn't want to stop spending time with this whole cast, but I can acknowledge that they did a beautiful job in bringing the series to an end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_Tour" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMCbsMy1dH2mwBh6cVCc6YiqtMu3E10L_2Ylv9r9HcKMf9YooitSlSyFv53j3EUkRCObybeYER63HTRqiWCo8V1j7qbBX9iIw7MwfhsHszokFxoAjt4MVTrt7uuO0rRt-CVNbazk7uiIOvX1thKwRYGhz1Gu-xhXSTG8mq6Hd4Oq4G2UP0w/s320/tim-minchin-back.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. 1/3/23</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_Tour" target="_blank">Tim Minchin: Back Live</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Amazon Prime)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's an understatement to say that I love the work of Tim Minchin. His album <i>Apart Together</i> continues to move me on every single listen, even after two years of pretty regular playing. I was counting down the days until this recorded concert would be available to watch in the US, jealous of those in the UK and Australia who got to see it in movie theaters. I spent every minute with a smile on my face-- usually singing along or cracking up at the humorous interludes. Tim Minchin's skill as an entertainment cannot be beat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-89716915700184091292022-12-31T20:17:00.002-05:002022-12-31T20:30:11.903-05:00fair results, but grand intent<div><br /></div>Another year is wrapping up, and I'm feeling a little bit lost without <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2020/12/the-year-that-wasnt-year-that-was.html" target="_blank">an established tradition</a> to keep up anymore. Routine has always been my jam, with it becoming ever more necessary in recent years. But that old year's end list habit took a dive back in 2020, and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2021/12/and-heres-hand-my-trusty-friend.html" target="_blank">last year</a> I went in a different route that doesn't feel right to try to replicate, either. I find myself, at the end of 2022, more aware of life's uncertainties than perhaps I've been before, and it's definitely a result of the last few years' worth of roller coaster living. <div><br /></div><div>In years past, I loved to wrap up the year's end with a shiny bow of a blog post-- equal numbers of pictures and individual accomplishments of each child, along with funny anecdotes and highlights from some of our favorite activities with family and friends. Our family experiences were less complicated and complex, and it was possible to share stories about the children without getting too personal. With teen and adult aged children, I now look at this space in a different manner, leading me to share less in both photo and story format. </div><div><br /></div><div>It doesn't help that the last few years have been some of our most challenging, with each family member experiencing fairly deep and difficult journeys through a hodgepodge of adolescence, the pandemic, and personal growth and exploration. Their stories aren't mine to tell, with even my own role in their stories being something I don't feel comfortable writing about in a public space, even if those stories have put my own life on paths I never anticipated.</div><div><br /></div><div>An inability to anticipate what's to come seems to be the theme for 2020-2022, and I don't think it's going to slow down any time soon either. My own story has begun new chapters that are still continuing to surprise me, as I'm starting to look at myself and my ways of moving and living in the world in some new lights. To be middle-aged and still learning about yourself is actually quite a privilege to experience. At least that's what I'm trying to remind myself on the regular.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">*****************</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Almost 15 years ago, I jumped on the <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2008/02/summing-it-all-up-in-6-words.html" target="_blank">six word memoir</a> hype, jostling words around in my head for days and days until I came up with what seemed most fitting at the time. Earlier this year, it was worked into a tattoo I had planned to represent aspects of my identity, and it continues to feel more fitting than ever. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">honorable intentions, heartfelt efforts, mixed results</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>As I look back on another year of parenthood, marriage, and generally existing in this world as a human, these six words still feel just right. This year brought barrels of laughs alongside buckets of tears, and through all of it, I gave everything I have. And while I won't go into the details, I'm happy to say that we're closing out the year in a relatively stable spot for those who fill my heart. Those heartfelt efforts aren't coming just from me-- I'm confident that we are ALL doing our best.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">*****************</span></div><div><br /></div><div>At this precipice of a new year, this motley crew stays by my side, through all the muck and the magic, and I just can't ask for more than that. The reality is that mixed or fair results are actually quite amazing, all in all. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhhk-J66OeTq3dkxQA0fI_aNZGiyMl2gMTrGys7psH1c0RQiKiPBrNM9UTHt_drjwWooZkzq_PuIjswMAY0ACxsNNPPNn307MiQowqM9pEUEOFm2YNUnEPVAIlHNsTjj6te4uT7LIFd0HMvnWRPmVvxqqcmo-IRIZJPFDi-ucyOtBE5GrGA/s1267/2022NYE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1267" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhhk-J66OeTq3dkxQA0fI_aNZGiyMl2gMTrGys7psH1c0RQiKiPBrNM9UTHt_drjwWooZkzq_PuIjswMAY0ACxsNNPPNn307MiQowqM9pEUEOFm2YNUnEPVAIlHNsTjj6te4uT7LIFd0HMvnWRPmVvxqqcmo-IRIZJPFDi-ucyOtBE5GrGA/w640-h416/2022NYE.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Title inspiration: "If This Plane Goes Down" by Tim Minchin</i></b></div><div><br /></div>
<div align="center"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EblcARJBgww" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-19399987338644084212022-06-25T21:23:00.006-04:002022-06-27T22:14:22.692-04:00fuck you, fuck you very, very much<div><br /></div><div>On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court struck down the 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, taking away the Constitutional right to abortion access in the United States. With this new ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the authority regulate abortion is returned to the states and their elected legislators. And we all know that so many states have been gerrymandered to a point that there's no way to trust the authenticity of any elections, so elected legislators don't come even close to actually representing their constituents.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVYt8pz_TttBypauJa9iC57jyqkpwz4jTzm9-G_kEFaqds2hlYRowtdhm4y4syLKu4C-Gx5zuOjADMya9LqB6f8GPOjqTYWw09RnpjlbHMIAdCoIi_vkL8RvXj-RZOVChls6FxKv73Fcm5oJt3XcqIL_AqvUfcvbHLJ7wr7_j1NtoybhDUw/s1112/RvW.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1112" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVYt8pz_TttBypauJa9iC57jyqkpwz4jTzm9-G_kEFaqds2hlYRowtdhm4y4syLKu4C-Gx5zuOjADMya9LqB6f8GPOjqTYWw09RnpjlbHMIAdCoIi_vkL8RvXj-RZOVChls6FxKv73Fcm5oJt3XcqIL_AqvUfcvbHLJ7wr7_j1NtoybhDUw/s320/RvW.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So here we are. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Ohio where I live, before the day was even over, the "Heartbeat Law" went into effect, banning abortion after 6 weeks. Six fucking weeks is before most people even know they're pregnant. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm struggling for words. One of the only things I've been able to do is read people's reactions, and I'm really trying to focus on the perspectives and messages of Black and brown women, Indigenous women, and other women of color, who will undoubtedly be more affected by this ruling than white women. Ally Henny, writer and activist, wrote a piece called "<a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/white-womans-to-68208678" target="_blank">A white woman's guide to not being completely insensitive in the wake of Roe being overturned</a>," which is a must read for us white women, especially in the light of so many of us posting imagery from <i>The Handmaid's Tale-- </i>using a fictional narrative to express their concern about the future, effectively whitewashing and ignoring the reality of BIPOC women throughout the history of this goddamned country. She also speaks to the privilege inherent in the posts and memes white women are sharing left and right about "taking people camping" or even declarations of moving out of the country, because the truth of the matter is that none of these things are actually likely to happen. Go read the piece-- she does a much better job articulating all these ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tiktok is an amazing resource for listening to people's perspectives, and here's another place to intentionally seek out BIPOC women's voices. I'm realizing the depths of my own naivete </div><div>as I listen to women speak of their experiences and their fears. I have just had no idea. </div><div><br /></div><div>The only other thing I've been able to do in the last day has been to make a couple donations, like one to <a href="https://www.womenhaveoptions.org/" target="_blank">Women Have Options/Ohio</a> and to become a member of the <a href="https://abortionfunds.org/" target="_blank">National Network of Abortion Funds</a>. I'm not exactly sure what my next steps will be in becoming active in the fight against all of this, but I'm hoping to provide support and follow the leadership of those already organizing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday morning, I went into my 16 year old child's room knowing that she'd just woken up and likely wasn't aware of the news. Telling her was heartbreaking. I saw the fear fill her eyes immediately. I know that she shares my own naivete in all that could come as a result of this ruling, and I feel obligated to both educate and protect her. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what comes next. I don't even have a freaking uterus anymore, so I have no motivation but that of fighting for the rights of others. That sounds stupidly pompous, which isn't my intention. I'm just trying. </div><div><br /></div><div>Trying and singing this song in an endless fucking loop in my head.</div><div><br /></div><b style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><i>Title inspiration: "Fuck You" by Lily Allen</i></b><br /> <br /> <br />
<div align="center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fpc40dmPlVM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div>
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-31740606954872807602022-02-11T22:03:00.005-05:002022-02-11T22:03:57.857-05:00I just want to be okay, be okay, be okay<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGrExkl-Eb8zx1cSXF_13D5CnS_15PZ4sDd5KLpJNq05fQkWlJxZPN5UGS55WO1m-P3ZaGl1G2c1iRY46qL4451eJjTCy7HwFCgBhJKdMd0POv02gOHB5BJ2xY1MwXFbxrXX_FpdvO0h6ieMtltmi5UgEZFbf7bf3jqiKQLYFu4LHSniPdyg=s3000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGrExkl-Eb8zx1cSXF_13D5CnS_15PZ4sDd5KLpJNq05fQkWlJxZPN5UGS55WO1m-P3ZaGl1G2c1iRY46qL4451eJjTCy7HwFCgBhJKdMd0POv02gOHB5BJ2xY1MwXFbxrXX_FpdvO0h6ieMtltmi5UgEZFbf7bf3jqiKQLYFu4LHSniPdyg=w640-h512" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Parenting is a challenging endeavor, even on a good day. On the days that are so very far from good, it's a Herculean task for the heart. Right now is beyond far from good, and I've never known a helpless feeling this strong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All I can say is this-- we love our children, and we do whatever we can to support them. Sometimes, that's simply not enough. Sometimes, we need to seek help in ways that we never imagined we'd be doing, and yet, there we are. We continue to do whatever we can, whatever it takes. We just keep going, because as exhausted as we are, we have no other option.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have to keep telling ourselves that it's all going to be okay, and ever since hearing this song in a cafeteria the other day, the mantra repeating in my head at least has an accompanying tune. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Title inspiration: "Be OK" by Ingrid Michaelson</i><br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vpMI8Qu5fsc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; border: medium none;" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-74472648863562697232022-02-01T23:00:00.001-05:002022-02-01T23:00:14.351-05:00covidland diaries<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij76EroQoBMUL7TooWPf7c-LEGqppwLTH-MY2BXuGJ6bJCaH-v09O2XwWozjrO3rWp8jEnt9qGGMnAuN4At8EjlIFpBmOO9kK73rurl48ofdZL5uLYagqdt4qhty1fshX6zBewwzB615o_jRRh0nE7A2Gd3dNU8MeVEaGVX2OQGnVz2qz6KA=s1640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1640" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij76EroQoBMUL7TooWPf7c-LEGqppwLTH-MY2BXuGJ6bJCaH-v09O2XwWozjrO3rWp8jEnt9qGGMnAuN4At8EjlIFpBmOO9kK73rurl48ofdZL5uLYagqdt4qhty1fshX6zBewwzB615o_jRRh0nE7A2Gd3dNU8MeVEaGVX2OQGnVz2qz6KA=w640-h310" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />For 96 weeks and two days, I'd been afraid of catching covid. In one week, I went from spending the Monday shopping and eating out with friends to stocking up on supplies and preparing to be locked down for a short time by the Saturday. In those 22 months, our understanding of this virus has both increased and become more muddied, but we've done everything we reasonably could to protect ourselves. Hand sanitizer? In every bag, coat pocket, car console. Masks? Check, bought so many different kinds to match varied family members' preferences, and then traded them all for KN95s. Social distancing? Yes, we have spent more time socializing with friends outdoors than ever before. Vaccines? Counted down the freaking days until we were each eligible and signed up literally as soon as we learned we could. Boosters? Same damn thing. <div><br /></div><div>Did we live as hermits since March 2020? Not exactly, but pretty close at times. We've spent time inside one home of friends since the beginning of the pandemic, and we did visit family during the lull we all experienced this summer, pre-Delta. We've had kids in public schools, at least wearing masks, and I've worked back in the office since the fall, but again, masked whenever I'm around other people, which is actually quite rare. Hubby continued to work as a referee, after a bit of a slowdown during the beginning of the pandemic, but since being vaccinated, he's done what he could to work as safely as possible, including wearing a specially designed mask that holds a whistle on a clip inside of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>We tried; we really, really tried. We've made significant sacrifices, along with tempered decisions that weighed our risks and benefits. We've adapted and most of these behaviors now come quite naturally, but we understand the responsibility needed in an attempt to stay healthy and safe, along with not spreading the virus in our already vulnerable community. </div><div><br /></div><div>But as they say, breakthroughs happen. Our story began on a Saturday with Hubby's positive test, after two days of a 'scratchy throat.' I'd been preparing for this, in theory, for almost two years, saving articles, reading guidelines, and thinking of potential game plans if someone in our family got sick. And all of that left my mind upon seeing those two lines. The only thing I could think to do was run to grab KN95 masks for the three of us sitting at the kitchen table, followed by nudging the kid away from the table, as the tears began. </div><div><br /></div><div>I knew that our odds of getting seriously sick were low, as all four of us in the household are fully vaxxed AND boosted, yet my heart seized with fear, because covid is a thing that millions of people have died from and here it was in our family. In my partner. Fuck.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's at this time that the calm and concise guidance from a friend was exactly what we needed. JN actually answered my phone call, because why in the world would I be calling unless it was serious? She helped us get our plans together and especially helped me think about how to start recording a timeline, information that could be helpful as all of us would need to be monitoring in coming days for more infections. Hubby grabbed everything he could think he might need and went immediately into our guest room for the beginning of an expected 5-day isolation, at the least. None of the rest of us felt any symptoms, but the reality that we'd all been together in the house in the previous days weighed on our minds. It felt inevitable that more positive tests were in our future. We all masked up, just in case someone wasn't yet infected.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stopping here to openly acknowledge all the ways in which we are fortunate and privileged in the time of a pandemic-- we have space in our home to segregate comfortably, we had at-home antigen tests on hand thanks to our public library, we have the means to purchase more at-home antigen tests <span style="font-size: x-small;">(which we definitely did!)</span> and they were available in our community <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm now greatly acquainted with GoPuff)</span>, we have jobs that allow for remote work or sick leave or flexible work time, we have support of so many good friends, and more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even with those incredible supports in place, it was a helluva couple weeks. Two days after Hubby's positive test came mine, and a day later came the 14-year-old's, who actually had the same symptom onset as me, but had a negative test one day before testing positive. Somehow, the 15-year-old escaped the virus completely, experiencing no symptoms and testing negative multiple times. By his day six, Hubby was still testing positive but felt mostly better. He didn't get a negative test until his day 11, and the youngest was in the same boat by their day 10. I, however, had a slightly different path.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY ZERO= symptom onset, Monday</h3><div>We'd had a significant snowstorm, and the kids spent time sledding on a neighbor's hill and shoveling out our driveway, and I had prepped all the bird feeders over the weekend, so I enjoyed a little bit of time just sitting outside, all bundled up and enjoying the view of our first big snow of the winter. I had expected to return to the podiatrist this day in hopes of getting out of the walking boot I'd been wearing for five weeks, but the snow canceled the appointment, which was for the best, since I wouldn't have gone in with our covid exposure. By the end of the day, I was aware of my own scratchy throat and a headache, but I was hoping it was just my anxious mind. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY ONE= positive test, Tuesday</h3><div>By the morning, it was clear that it wasn't just my anxiety causing the now pretty bad sore throat. It took only a fraction of the 10-minute wait time for my positive result to show up on the at-home test. Hubby was feeling better by this day, his day five, so we opted to do a quick clean and bedroom shift, knowing that he was closer to getting out of isolation than I was. We shifted responsibility for caring for the dogs and actually gave each other a big hug since there was no worry about infecting each other now. I settled in the guest room with my work materials, my laptop, a full medicine cabinet worth of cold/flu meds, and a couple books <span style="font-size: x-small;">(that would go mostly unread, #ThanksCovid)</span>. My throat was rough, and I was suddenly exhausted. No work was going to get done on this day. The pulse oximeter we bought at the beginning of the pandemic was now put to regular use, and the times I saw 94 on there were scary, but tempered by the 97s that followed later.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY TWO= Wednesday</h3><div>When I woke up this day, I wanted to cut my own head off, because the pain in my throat was unbearable. I had a low fever all day, never going over 100.4, and my O2 never dipped below 95. All I could do was take ibuprofen, cry about my throat and head pain, and do work in an attempt to take my mind off the pain. Spreadsheets on a small laptop screen are annoying. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY THREE= Thursday</h3><div>Today the cold/flu aspect of congestion kicked in, and paired with the still raging sore throat and headache, I was doing shots of DayQuil as often as safely possible, even if it didn't make a whole lot of difference. I woke up in a cold sweat that seemed more intense than my usual middle-aged night sweats, and the fever was gone. My O2 stayed between 95 and 97 all day, and while I was able to work for a few hours on this day, I mostly just lay in bed, popping my walking boot and KN95 back on to walk to the bathroom, before collapsing back into bed where I either slept or binge-watched shows until I fell asleep. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY FOUR= Friday</h3><div>I slept over 12 hours and had trouble actually waking up on this day. I was aware that I wanted to wake up, but simply couldn't get my body to do it. The sore throat was still there, but maybe starting to lessen. My congestion was way up, but my temp stayed down. My O2 rose to 96-98, and I wasn't having any trouble breathing, but I did get winded from walking to the bathroom. I was able to log in a couple hours at the very end of the work day, but I still just lay down for most of the day cradling my head and feeling sorry for myself.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY FIVE= Saturday</h3><div>Another day of struggling to wake up even after 11 solid hours of sleep. Big news of the day was that the sore throat was gone! I had gone through so many cough drops, I worried that my mouth would permanently taste of menthol, but I could finally take a break from them. The stuffed nose was still going strong, as was the headache, but the temp stayed down, and my O2 dropped a bit, but never below 94. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY SIX= Sunday</h3><div>According to the CDC, because I hadn't had a fever in at least 24 hours <span style="font-size: x-small;">(my temp was normal since Thursday)</span>, and because my symptoms were "improving," I could leave isolation and go about my normal life as long as I wore a mask. Yeah, LOL. I was still rocking a headache and a stuffed nose, and I was clearly still sick. I couldn't do a regular day's work, and if I had a job that required me to follow these guidelines, I'd have been screwed. I have no doubt that I was still contagious. My O2 was up between 96 and 97, and I was still pretty wiped.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY SEVEN= Monday</h3><div>I pulled out another at-home antigen test and crossed my fingers, but it was a no-go for me. Positive test #2 accompanied the continued stuffed nose, a worsening headache, and pretty solid exhaustion. How could I be exhausted from watching <i>The Golden Girls </i>and <i>The Righteous Gemstones</i> between naps all weekend? (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Also, two awesome shows, but so, so, so very different...)</span> Somehow, I managed to put in a full 8 hours of work spread throughout the day, but my brain felt fuzzy. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY EIGHT= Tuesday</h3><div>Hope springs eternal, right? Well, at-home antigen tests don't, but I couldn't help myself from taking another today. My desire to leave the guest room was pretty high by this day, and I know that I was so lucky to have the space to stay isolated, with food left by my door in response to a text, but I also have to acknowledge that I was going bananas in there. I'd open the window and stick my head out just to have a different viewpoint. I took that test with the hopes I'd be able to leave the room, stay masked, but still not pose a risk to our middle child who still was unaffected. Nope, it was not to be. Another positive test, again almost immediately. I worked for part of the day, and stayed horizontal for the rest. How could I still be so goddamn tired?</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY NINE= Wednesday</h3><div>I couldn't see myself wasting another test today, so I forced myself to just stick to the same plan. Worked for some of the day, tried reading a bit, but my headache was back on the upswing and it was hard to concentrate. This was the day that the sneezing began. Of all the weird-ass things that our bodies do on the regular, sneezing has got to be my least favorite. When I wasn't sneezing, I was sleeping. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY TEN= Thursday</h3><div>My anxiety was in the clouds today, as I had expected to be "back to normal" by this day, but I was still exhausted, still fighting a runny nose, sneezing practically nonstop, and still being brought to tears by the headache. Hubby was preparing to leave the next morning for a long-planned trip, and I felt the pressure to be able to leave this room of isolation and be the adult in charge at home. But the at-home antigen test I took on this day still came back positive. Sure, the line was a bit lighter in color, but it was undoubtedly still evident, and even with a mask on, my explosive sneezing was surely still blasting coronavirus all over. It was hard to not feel discouraged. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY ELEVEN= Friday</h3><div>Hubby departed, and I moved back to my own bedroom, where I'd still be spending 99% of my day, but at least it was a different view. Thankfully, the sneezing was lessening as the day went on, as was the runny nose and even the headache. By the end of the evening, I declared that I felt almost human again! I was still tired, but not in the same way when I couldn't even wake myself up. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY TWELVE= Saturday</h3><div>My hopes were dashed by yet another positive at-home antigen test, but at this point, I needed to get some shit done. Wearing not one, but two, KN95s, I emerged from the bedroom feeling pretty normal again and cleaned the whole house. I didn't feel completely safe from spreading the virus just yet, so I continued to eat alone in my bedroom so I wouldn't ever have an unmasked face in other areas of the house. The 15-year-old and I talked from opposite sides of large rooms, both masked, but happy to actually see each other again in person rather than on a video call.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY THIRTEEN= Sunday</h3><div>Was I still tired? Yes, but more in the normal way of being tired, and I felt more like myself than I had in two weeks. I had a clean house, I cooked a real dinner, and while I was tired of wearing KN95s, I was happy to be on the other side of this nasty virus. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">DAY FOURTEEN= Monday</h3><div>Two weeks after seeing the first of FIVE positive at-home antigen tests, I ripped open another package, followed the directions that are now imprinted in my brain, and prepared myself mentally for yet another positive result. I actually walked away from the test, but I couldn't wait the entire 10 minutes. After 7ish minutes, I peeked, and lo and behold, there was only the control line. I couldn't count it for sure until my timer went off, but I definitely started celebrating in my head. I started this day early to get a bunch of morning household and parenting tasks completed before finally starting my work day back at my desk, and 8:00 am saw me staring at my beloved three monitors, ready to truly get back to normal. I was so happy to eat a meal in the presence of other live human beings again! </div><div><br /></div><div>Two weeks doesn't seem like it should feel like an eternity, but it absolutely did for me. I'm still struggling with some fuzzy brain, especially in word recall, and my headache hasn't gone away completely, but it's more manageable than before. All the cold/flu symptoms were gone by day twelve, but I am still finding myself out of breath more quickly than before. At some point in my isolation time, I stopped putting the boot on out of pure frustration, so as I was finally able to leave the room, I was also walking on two shoed-feet for the first time in six weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div>After all this, I can't help but wonder what my experience would have been like had I not been vaccinated or even boosted. I know it's all speculation, but it seems safe to say that I likely would have needed medical intervention or even hospitalization. Would I have become even more of a statistic? I'm fucking thrilled that I won't know, because Dolly Parton-funded science was working its ass off in my body to fight off this terrible virus. </div><div><br /></div><div>May I someday be able to return to this post and think about covid in the past tense only. </div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><i>Title inspiration: "<a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/47/christmas-and-commerce/act-two-19" target="_blank">Santaland Diaries</a>" by David Sedaris.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; border: medium none;" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-85515590024933570312022-01-22T15:46:00.049-05:002022-12-30T19:57:43.680-05:00viewing reviews 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_oSt67-sDkzpS5aQZuFmAy1eKp283-rgA6EzaYhSaczwZEuiIQwP0k5fCXXqKh-LZhSjTjpJ4D1N4pfXsfke2Hz4EUC0qrDXddXZ0YgDdN1LEflzxKSZCumIk-qMz5v8jtNm79CdeZDpqzrSNotwYlAVXdxMxLffB7L1Zq7nR7pDa2QurCw=s6400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2853" data-original-width="6400" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_oSt67-sDkzpS5aQZuFmAy1eKp283-rgA6EzaYhSaczwZEuiIQwP0k5fCXXqKh-LZhSjTjpJ4D1N4pfXsfke2Hz4EUC0qrDXddXZ0YgDdN1LEflzxKSZCumIk-qMz5v8jtNm79CdeZDpqzrSNotwYlAVXdxMxLffB7L1Zq7nR7pDa2QurCw=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>When I began this series of posts way back in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2009/01/movie-reviews-2009.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, I thought that someday it would be interesting to look back and reminisce on what movies I had watched and what I thought of them. Little did I know that "someday" would come so soon, because I've looked back at these posts more and more over the years simply to help me remember if I had already seen something. Movies were recorded through <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2010/01/movie-reviews-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2011/01/movie-reviews-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2012/01/movie-reviews-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2013/01/movie-reviews-2013.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2014/01/movie-reviews-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2015/01/movie-reviews-2015.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2016/01/movie-reviews-2016.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2017/01/movie-reviews-2017.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2018/01/movie-reviews-2018.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, and for <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/01/viewing-reviews-2019.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2020/01/viewing-reviews-2020.html" target="_blank">2020</a>, and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2021/01/viewing-reviews-2021.html" target="_blank">2021</a>, series got added along with live performances, in the rare times that we could actually see those in between trying to avoid Covid. I'll continue recording my thoughts on all the things I watch this year, and as this pandemic continues to rage, I think I may see record numbers of viewings while being stuck at home!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_the_Musical_(film)" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSDmQL4pZhqiXWydHO1f86PQpgNjUJV5y7m9qGm7iIt3OxFgai7jlFaW4PfbfvpI5C5LELikZHDwfhyKkkFAVJQaEAfBJmLjSMQFo7DM0wX2eki6Xm1oiSt73_Aquz2JHpUyWDspdqHFxMrD_FQmPDPSE_PhSSwkfhDyFIAUT16SSKkEgGA/s320/MV5BZDQyMDEwOTMtYzQ4Ny00NGVmLWI5NWYtMTQ3ODE2MGNlN2Y4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA1OTcyNDQ4._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>58. 12/30/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_the_Musical_(film)" target="_blank">Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Even though I've known of the musical created by my favorite artist, Tim Minchin, for more than a decade, I've never purposely listened to the soundtrack. I don't have any particular attachment to this book, and I already feel uncomfortable enjoying anything created by the problematic Roald Dahl, along with our middle child's super negative reaction to the old film version-- all of this kept me from seeking it out. But... with this new movie version of the musical, I've heard so many interviews with Tim talking about it and I couldn't help myself. This was actually quite lovely and delightful, as much as it could be when the center of the story is the terrible abuse one child receives from almost all the adults in her life. The larger-than-life presentation helps to keep the outrageous level high and not as realistic as an abusive childhood could be presented. And then there's the music to keep up the spirits, and it was classic Minchin-- linguistically complex lyrics that demonstrate his brilliance. Quite fun, and I even rethought my previous feelings about choruses of British children singing! </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Everywhere_All_at_Once" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWm81JF30_JpWd1Y5ZAAEA8cZuhlb3Vp_AKUyxVnbfc6H9szNds-oDU0QaPFK0HLpXx2-ZxnjsUvinaLVN140KbygbNE8Szg8C5ns7JxpVZ7ArMLAy9z9XVCp3Q4mzjellyfVFP-KjAPgZR4M8a0jCHLac0E3BlwfnfPD1_O6Rrx8kiE6Ldw/s320/MV5BYTdiOTIyZTQtNmQ1OS00NjZlLWIyMTgtYzk5Y2M3ZDVmMDk1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTAzMDg4NzU0._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div>57. 12/25/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Everywhere_All_at_Once" target="_blank">Everything Everywhere All At Once</a></i></div><div>(Showtime)</div><div>Exactly four months after watching it for the first time, I watched with Hubby and I loved it all over again (and was confused by it for a bit, all over again!). He probably wasn't in the best state of mind for it at the beginning and seemed frustrated by the confusion, but then I think he got into it, too. I just love the rawness and beauty of the parenthood experience, and the relationship between mother and child speaks so deeply to me. I saw more here the second time about the marital relationship that was relatable and heart-tugging. Just a brilliant film and an experience to watch.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_Onion:_A_Knives_Out_Mystery" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2222" data-original-width="1482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrLy0VWG0CYWIdggJVA6nevx1z9fmiA0ZGJ7AYX6h2ONz-BWxvGHOmxX933a5aluEAZrINrVQWNl0m5eFheaRaUCacz3fdeuqk5isUTwplxnnjsnwneRpxXllXQMkXMn5Dib5uX2ZzJ4XZAJvFUQ9v6z-P22Upk0Ifw9jchJ38BWeyD4YJQ/s320/MV5BYmZlZDZkZjYtNzE5Mi00ODFhLTk2OTgtZWVmODBiZTI4NGFiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE5MTg5NDIw._V1_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>56. 12/24/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_Onion:_A_Knives_Out_Mystery" target="_blank">Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>I was disappointed that no theater in a 60 mile radius of us was showing this during the week-long exclusive theatrical release, but I waited patiently for it to finally be streaming, and most of the family watched it together. I howled with joy as this flick progressed-- especially at Janelle Monáe's first appearance on screen. GODDAMN, SHE IS THE MOST PERFECT HUMAN EVER TO BREATHE AIR. Ahem. Yes, this mystery peels away like the titular veggie, and we all had fun excitedly shouting out bits that we noticed and exclaiming our developing theories. Our youngest is eerily good at solving mysteries and got so, so much of this one, as per usual. We all had fun with it, and I definitely will watch it again, just as with its predecessor. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Sisters_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbTVBB0AfnJNM6zuL1mxdGOuuBUTAaFmQM8cbCy5TBng4j27sI4aiiFLjmTm8AdGdDt4mf5Mu50e27NqVGaPTr2VIA5Ht0E5rAUbZnWfVYL-T1DI0sv6YoluJXJpg0QFPtNwJQ0pydQVdJp7zUtv1Uo5Id1n2LZiYulQUabSaQ6RDuTdmHw/s320/MV5BNjc2ZWY3NjYtM2Q5OS00YTI1LTk5MDktYjYwYTk2Yzc4YTc4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEyMjM2NDc2._V1_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>55. 12/24/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Sisters_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Bad Sisters</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, AppleTV+)</div><div>OB-SESSED. I had marked this one down a couple months ago after seeing a FB friend praise it, but I didn't start it until I needed a new binge to accompany the annual Xmas gift and stocking stuffer wrapping extravaganza. And binge I did, finishing the ten 1-hour episodes in less than 24 hours. Holy shitballs, people, this was unbelievably good. I literally couldn't stop or think about anything else. I just wanted to finally get to the ending-- the parts that we knew from the very beginning were so insufficient-- because while I had some guesses, I was ultimately stumped on the actual how. With each episode, my hatred for "the prick" grew and grew, and he just might be the most despicable regular guy on-screen character that I've ever loathed. All I wanted was to see him be killed as I knew was inevitable, and I was literally encouraging the sisters to get it done already. Yeah, I know. What in the world will a second season bring? I have zero clue and I'm here for it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLqsEEMYC1gk8Et6mZn0bK1Qb085E9R3e9vSnNx24L0e7lRd_6Hr0lRkAkMkGwDCns8TIM-c-MD3rhTTyoDNvDLiTTVEGQ6NPsVaL6JFN2n1YzjE__hWSsYp2oD2smsK0Y7XCYGJLUct90JR9QJsJ9eC9cCXnaIxKXIdOyPOzwcblhoDQsw/s320/MV5BMGZkMWQ2MzMtYTkxYS00OThmLWI0ZTQtNmY0ZTkyY2E4MjliXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>54. 12/23/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation" target="_blank">National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation</a></i></div><div>(DVD)</div><div>It's just not Xmas until this flick has been viewed, and everyone takes turns reciting their favorite lines along with the movie, and someone finally breaks and yells for everyone to stop saying lines along with the damn movie. Halleluiah! Holy shit! Where's the Tylenol? <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoolander" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtibNXrkLrQ-XEg0xr73Er2JX2KoKC-a_JpcYLj_Oo8FEt2ow2xNvRfV0u-lwVZn3I00Up9vgNVOb6Adg5K0XHzSP_6clzRkupSGK0ZwZ2ux98rl8E_0OINlNmOEcpwfk8FDVkVhA6Vj55t2C-mk5SqZqFBeNHqqeb0Zmip0btDRRpXZg2Q/s320/MV5BODI4NDY2NDM5M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNzEwOTMxMDE@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>53. 12/22/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoolander" target="_blank">Zoolander</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Of all the early 2000s films that we loved originally and then watched again years and years later, this one held up the best, I think. The two teens and I watched it on a lazy winter break night, and while we kept muttering, "This is so stupid!" we were also laughing a whole freaking lot. It was funny to me how many cameos I needed to explain as the kids have no idea who was 'hot' in 2001, and we joked about who would be in the fashion show crowds if it was remade today-- Timothée and Zendaya were at the top of my list! Really, really ridiculously funny, even 21 years later.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Lotus" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMARkb_bnpdI8Bmf8i2lqU6e72OwodtWUxgtVQZhb_So4_WS-p3JM0UbqT6jt_-9YGBJuVyemYN-lUmNhziMy9EXgoXODYMmAO2ESVwEqXwke5WJR9gaeCmR7IGymrSTXRlff0sIk2jOApwfGjwzS2sCbhooqkOA44vcXfKn1_Y3ShEXiNA/s320/p22992499_b_v13_ab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>52. 12/21/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Lotus" target="_blank">White Lotus</a></i></div><div>(Season 2, HBO)</div><div>At least the characters in this second season weren't quite as despicable as the first season... they were more relatable and that made a big difference in me being able to feel some compassion towards them. Or, I should say, some of them. I binged this over the course of a couple of days, and while I wanted to know what was going to happen, I was really watching out of obligation, I think, because I have friends who have loved this series so much. I didn't hate it as viscerally as last go-round, but it wasn't high on my list for the year, either.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirited_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjIk9X_QlyNyPESqCHxUqrsNqVkdIJscTZ8BtJEo02NuUVnBebEIL71imtlFEKMxXn-9CmrnKHGTt5RUsanLCzXYzxQAd7_iChsLqPExwqkSbB4O2KAGD55vv_F4hUA3lCAeKzlBIYlLTFnXbWYfT9Mmq-DD2hNL7_IHYb0lvvX0dAArEww/w213-h320/download%20(3).jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>51. 12/21/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirited_(film)" target="_blank">Spirited </a></i><br /><div>Apple TV+</div><div>A musical with hilarious and lovely actors who aren't necessarily known for their singing? Well, it was a whole lot of fun, with clever jokes and some silly singing. I'm not sure this will be a watch-every-December holiday movie, but I'm sure we'll see it again at some point. The best thing to come from watching this, though? Learning a new way to use, "Good afternoon." </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindred_(miniseries)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBa_j0dVbHrHbT4nO7iV1l3EBJNrvXlH-gdwMaoE8_gcsSBhiJjuN0oYU9fYAsRnQyBot5ZDD_KbTZaio_B6jKFiftRKaK029fKmisp8h4eddI-lrcuuYLUCC-JM4mma4P1q5OZllyQ-h7D_fPnByVEHomGdruAnNvoqslG2uyt3ofjfKRQ/s320/MV5BNjA5NTRiNWYtNThhNi00Mjg3LWE4M2QtMGE1YmRlMTJlMzE3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjEwNTM2Mzc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div>50. 12/19/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindred_(miniseries)" target="_blank">Kindred</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div>Having just finished the novel a few days earlier, I was so ready to see how this story would be adapted for the small screen. I was prepared for the likelihood that the contemporary time for Dana would be updated to the present, but I wasn't expecting too many other significant changes. On that, I was only half-right. The present day is actually 2016, and based on some very slight background sounds, I'm going to guess that the pre-election days of 2016 were chosen quite intentionally, especially when it comes to the god-awful neighbors' storyline. But, the rest of the changes truly make this a different story-- pretty significant changes to the main characters and their relationship pull in changed motivations and perspectives, which makes sense along with the time change. But the addition of another time-travelling plot was the most surprising to me, and I'm not sure that I really like it... makes the time traveling device a little too "neat" for me. Not that I wanted to have graphic violence displayed on the screen, but I was surprised at how slowly the first season built the cruelty experienced by the enslaved people at the hands of the plantation owner. Another different feel for the setting and character development. We spend the entire season with a young Rufus, and I was expecting him to age more quickly, but some material needs to be left for a future season(s), I guess. I don't know how long this will go, but I hope it doesn't go down the path of <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i>, where I wish they would just close the series. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_and_Frankie" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="1045" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDJjevROC1krtX-8PM9aFJgk1DS7iQ6sCvrLKF9GA7f-PqNkF107D6dDPq-1dEPdbbLLdVAMOg09qKOY9zg7uLqSeNDDuPuYl6u-VlYIJBe0XoTV16dqNSYQr32bfV2s0AJOTSWh8xwM1EipcBhsLnx6q_59PnYq2cyCmMiaTC-shw93Alw/s320/AAAAQRXZWMSpi7LBk8lxXDlI4EmVWXzqo5rVc9GPmlG1Xkb-fSspKfNyMVuKI467K1K_r13HU87MspaTy0dEevRAhjpYNKW8V4xa5j0HcVw4qxeaFJ3M4YOsimZB7CgrXUIJBG6gS5Kcxqle9yZqbwA8qqcv.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>49. 12/7/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_and_Frankie" target="_blank">Grace and Frankie</a></i></div><div>(Season 7, Netflix)</div><div>After seven seasons totaling 94 episodes, I can't say that I didn't have a *few* laughs, but even as this show continued to have some poignant moments about marriage, friendships, and aging, it was consistently so formulaic and predictable, it could often be considered insulting to its extremely talented cast. Especially Lily Tomlin who is a national treasure!!</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upright_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2zwAv4uqJlIW7sg6FSJDQ6Hi9lB5snPrF-aKIGuvTrONk3a9FiQdrWYn8pxT9vg0eg94nu5axP8BNdOiW0kLsbzrF_erei-ORfC9H6Fcp1V705dY3CDFoLa6tqCV803p5kFaR3yncQ4ri-WfSiuIKVWwo5fCdTWGvlEh_VZuNYkq-U3lFg/s320/51QnkvPEysL._AC_SY580_.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div>48. 12/2/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upright_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Upright</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Sundance Now on Amazon Prime)</div><div>Yes, I adore every single thing that Tim Minchin makes, but please don't let that water down my recommendation for this outstanding show. In just eight short <span style="font-size: x-small;">(~30 min)</span> episodes, a story with layers upon layers unfolds, outrageous hijinks ensue, deeply emotional relationships are portrayed, and the unknown-to-me scenery of Australia is introduced in amazing glory. The plot nudges up against the ridiculous but never crosses the unbearable line, even as it pushed my anxiety to its limits. By the end of the season, tears streamed down my face and I even had a small, pitiful moan involuntarily escape my throat at one particularly emotional scene. Goddammit, this was intensely beautiful. Season 2 is out but unavailable in the US, which is sorta killing me, no lie.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22890438/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AN9f_QfEGiIpMHPskVEZo05hvJokil4KHUu9pk08YzOcI-RrBD_tX15t8ZBbjDzt012b_eRjOcCpz8z4xYkU5UoheIlVpK9TZUIRh-CZ_OVrVzIC3mEW0s98SJMp99id7Ks4quaZ3SIRqWbI6i_NBqbj4LgFjin3mV771k3GJbtj-jkFAg/s320/AAAABVJcdrq5TUrQCki4Kp0IvAoBeo2z4C6TNaXwkXT5t7Do9Z0q0WY6NTYlXALWDX37PBbDF7yM5sisGBcJS9ilMOi_VmwFFcjgVqSRrJBQAl4J3oY952KIBAYXV4GWeQ5VmNjCzg.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div>47. 11/24/22 </div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22890438/" target="_blank">Trevor Noah: I Wish You Would</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>It was Thanksgiving morning and everyone in the house was still sleeping, so I decided to get a jumpstart on some of the baking and cooking, but the quiet is just too oppressive. Enter Trevor Noah, and I had the perfect partner to keep me company while doing the kitchen work. His standup here-- observational and long-form storytelling-- was the just right fit for me in the moment, and for me in general. I was cracking up all by myself and having a grand time. And, for the record, butter chicken is likely the ONLY food I this boring-ass white woman could order at an Indian restaurant! </div><div><i><br /></i><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/See_How_They_Run_(2022_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHStewyZJTgRPqOQXbJXXthHknf7zbcz5bU_geIhoOM-C6AuKfWwQzkNxKBJbrAlhAJQyL2CQrs6_dusw-p2G8PlresAiNBx6XZ2YrkwHRGgia9INo2GkckR9XNU_rr4M1N4qikKT_q4dxvWdZEi1DlWIjAiYSDT5_l0x-88UnBZLM_tWUQ/s1600/download%20(2).jpg" width="184" /></a></div><div>46. 11/23/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/See_How_They_Run_(2022_film)" target="_blank">See How They Run</a></i></div><div>(HBO Max)</div><div>I quite enjoyed this cheeky romp that was self-aware, as much as a movie can be, without becoming a parody. Sam Rockwell's weary Inspector landed perfectly, but Saoirse Ronan <i>made</i> this movie. Damn, she has the best comic energy here, with just the right amount of silly vulnerability. Night before Thanksgiving evening movie that held 2.5 of the 4 family members' attention for the win! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_to_Me_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fOhXrF5MwuYBwVZA8C4at2aGXARq0YE-spQFYWv_CVNPqi-yAhD4tILOOGpo0yu5iLfFKmuy_L5tQBc2db5UWUh7pKWqY0bi-ZV3y11F2t3Y4QLO0HiLzXv64SAkwW1ZzykuGOF4OgPUU1bdG4hFRyFXWYF3F979uF2_CWI0l2pSP7V66w/s320/dead-to-me-season-3-poster.webp" width="216" /></a></div><div>45.11/22/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_to_Me_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Dead to Me</a></i></div><div>(Season 3, Netflix)</div><div>This whole show was just so good, and the finale season showed everyone at the utter best. Dark and clever, this show keeps you on your toes and still allows for silly laughs. If I'd been forced to predict where this show would go back in the first season, I'm fairly certain it wouldn't have been anywhere close to the ending of the show as they made it. Any wishes for happier endings would immediately be shut down by Jen with a simple, <i>"Gross." </i></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Break" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrwQTQsL3W2bh075YbxbMtKYnny5YjFVUdfFHlDS70a7zQermu90wlrXgW6E9VBmlxNKEQqzpqVNjFYJPApQT9c3OXAT64p7l4xEAVndgeekR5al-k0Y2hY7o4C_VkisGIVV0lJdZ45JvZZKX3H_GoAiBIHIpiC_9ZfuzrElEaHJIS2Kakg/s320/Pointbreaktheatrical.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>44. 11/18/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Break" target="_blank">Point Break</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>It very well may have been 20+ years since I've watched this cinematic masterpiece, but when I was a teen, I wore this VHS out from frequent viewings, and some of the lines still lived on in my head, apparently. Have you ever seen a more beautiful human specimen than 26 year old Keanu Reeves? I was drooling over him as a middle-aged mom just as much (maybe more?) as when I was a pubescent adolescent. Damn. Yeah, the movie is ridiculous, full of plot holes, and written with no words higher than a 6th grade vocabulary. And it's fun AF. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enola_Holmes_2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnouuc3nJ_YxkoEQpDaP-ofbaeAwoNF3IhN0PEu16S9Ei83H1wiUGNYHrW1iItzum6xdpS64u_rJw_T1fN-SFlNadvk-2aK5wfSRmuIYpmtYHdu1YeDmmYEh7FXN9do2qS6UUp5svPdY62FWZCwZDvHzdHNBVsbgM7-W2FytVhCCloK_tFg/s320/MV5BMDI1NWM1ZDItNDFhMi00YWRhLTg1YzItNTNhY2M2N2QzY2FkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEyMjM2NDc2._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>43. 11/11/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enola_Holmes_2" target="_blank">Enola Holmes 2</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Still pretty clever, a bit more intense and violent, and a jolly good romp all around. Did I solve it before it was laid out for us? Not quite, but I was getting there. Gotta love a period piece that shows women with the brains for sleuthing and scheming. Watched this with the almost-15 year old and they enjoyed it just as much as the previous one, too.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fortunefeimster.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-9guP83p4uLF7MJNZAE7t3JqdTOjUD0orYOSzyOAap3rjvDJ0nOrkMxI8sae9C1bM7atpC43siTKVrkCsgAaxxpVfqt7Y9xTd340qnoG-JmeNDL9CeB-1drnito-Q8IBcFKyKu_zzfSye7pjQeGx_1h7OprRBKBkvVejXFLSvcVCYNkzIg/s320/download.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div>42. 10/26/22</div><div><i><a href="https://www.fortunefeimster.com/" target="_blank">Fortune Feimster: Good Fortune</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Fortune Feimster delivers exactly what we've come to expect from her-- long-form comedic stories of her personal life with just a dash of self-deprecation and a whole lot of goofiness. She's a fantastic storyteller, and as she acts out interactions with people, she paints a vivid and hilarious picture. This was perfect watching on a slow work afternoon, answering the occasional email and kicking back for some giggles.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Patient" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Bqj0-86uvyD8VX40PIpQPOB7fir_9_gljGHR3sSUAqX_SBeiK_nxXuVpzr4bBQSW-ESlf4kzALz4Zsvl_wrjE-d6_N9FdS-WKguSnOoEuH6_Fx-bIVL4y8htK1EP7I0pVkV6X-a65-iDsCotwz6olAhw-DSl0rBqg3z-pPFK9TwxtOQBkg/s320/MV5BNDA4MzE3NGItNTk0Yi00OTYyLWFmOWQtYjc2NjlhOTAzN2RlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTgxNDgxOQ@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div>41. 10/25/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Patient" target="_blank">The Patient</a></i><br />(Hulu)</div><div>Well, fuck. While this was *superbly* acted, it was a level of darkness that was a bit too disturbing for me. It hurt to watch this in the final couple episodes, knowing there was no good way for the series to end. Steve Carrell and Domhnall Gleeson must not be the same people now that they were before filming this show, because I'm not after only watching it.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ww_d875d07_OpRz8ZWnEOQvg7soyKuK8mj_UEJg_WL6vnD49JZUAxb6byN7H5Uqxccmk5ifLtdq9_5bC7S7uI_RVbwDDaEsQeRO57zcrVNu0CJS5jbjcNSJTFDDWA3kLWzji0bSZpNUZrGQtRLbWuT0UsXny9Q5m9wn6wcS-Yz_PYjZ89A/s273/download%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="185" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ww_d875d07_OpRz8ZWnEOQvg7soyKuK8mj_UEJg_WL6vnD49JZUAxb6byN7H5Uqxccmk5ifLtdq9_5bC7S7uI_RVbwDDaEsQeRO57zcrVNu0CJS5jbjcNSJTFDDWA3kLWzji0bSZpNUZrGQtRLbWuT0UsXny9Q5m9wn6wcS-Yz_PYjZ89A/s1600/download%20(1).jpg" width="185" /></a></div><div>40. 10/18/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reboot_(2022_TV_series)" target="_blank">Reboot</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div>I quite enjoyed this clever sitcom about a sitcom, and as I emphasized more than a few times to my friends when recommending it, I absolutely loved the cast. Cranky and un-pc Paul Reiser getting checked by rage-boiling-under-the-surface Rachel Bloom was my favorite dynamic here, but really everyone is fantastic. Yes, even Johnny Knoxville. I know! I didn't realize, however, that I'd finished the first season with episode 8, because even though it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, I've become accustomed to 10 episode seasons, so I thought there'd be a little more. Now to keep my fingers crossed that it gets renewed for a second season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmYr3hyCckNJaUUHxyH0_3rWu_-AbA8sf8AmYWg5gV9BJZLinRFOg1NsU-Avm7b-nlcE3_Y2lYn1tUbagqFop327hKVQGN0BgPyHo0dAcRr6pxsxvkBcv8C7ppo8okrVn-jzEjj8UeumPW1LGiEL_4__sjcqq6SFE4ufhyPj9OkVnMrw6nA/s320/p14950191_b_h9_ab.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>39. 10/11/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls" target="_blank">Derry Girls</a></i></div><div>(Season 3, Netflix)<br /><div>I have loved this show from the very first scene. I have very little knowledge of what was happening in Northern Ireland when I was a teenager, but some things about adolescence in the 90s are universal. I am so sad to see this show come to an end, and the 16-year-old and I watched the final season together, crying pretty much nonstop through the final two episodes. Damn, some heartwrenchers there. The final seven episodes were clever and laugh-out-loud funny as expected, and the tender factor increased quite a bit for their farewell. Well done. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bear_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6fCkFXlp34fzDN3p7p5Cixb_BbzKQZGBj72C-WSqBgU4a5eSbjVywYPePT2KCoy8odBpBABoLryNrfXOgFJHRMfH54g3EIuU4Y_caFicoP6n2JjIYVAzZhPvHg46Jr6tAZmtwKIh535-GLLjSM71EJxPAO5Z3681nNvGQQwfImLmZaL-Bg/s320/p22067812_b_v13_ab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>38. 10/2/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bear_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Bear</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div>Hubby told me that I probably wasn't going to like watching this show because of its intensity. He definitely wasn't wrong about the intensity, and the truth is, there were several episodes that I paused in the middle and had to walk away from, only to return some hours later better prepared. But he was absolutely wrong about my assessment of the show as a whole, because this may be the best thing I've seen this year. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Okay, <i>Better Things</i> is still at the top, but they're very, very different shows!)</span> I expected the intensity from both the tv spots and Hubby's warnings, but I didn't expect the tenderness. Carmy <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Lip, slightly reimagined, IYKYK)</span> is emotionally intelligent if not expressive, and he's hurting. Bad. He's full of hope, even in the face of a seemingly hopeless situation, and even if he doesn't show it. Jeremy Allen White plays this type so damn beautifully, and here he is supported by a freaking stellar cast. Every single person has depth and plays an important role in the ecosystem of this flailing restaurant. God, I can't wait for season two. Maybe more than just <i>eight </i>episodes?!</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2025" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqNo4LB6uwuGzHN9xNiFWD5fNtekkS9ZL5KfM-acW6JzWWnC9kbIFejEfWTGXLSim-3GKAN_R3ms_VAF9n5D0K0ymgxFqcA7WVNHbqUETqgi9K7jZwjDOZP5v3aCBpUnmNJyz_zL0X8_5g65ouRn37M1dEBl4_JaENUF2s9qeMlr36TCCgA/s320/1-11485691859.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>37. 9/25/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Woke</a></i></div><div>(Season 2, Hulu)</div><div>Why you gotta cancel Keef Knight, Hulu?? I'm bummed, because I really enjoyed both seasons of this show based on the real-life cartoonist Keith Knight, whose work is awesome and thought-provoking, and likely really fucking exhausting to him at times. This season examined the concept of actual activism and pushed the characters in new ways, especially putting Keef under a not-so-flattering spotlight. I was looking forward to what would be coming next for him. For the real-life Keith, I hope many, many more opportunities to get his work seen by more folx is in the stars.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_Things_I_Hate_About_You" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTs3CAkccRN2rCsIuO6h_2xWKW6TjOOhTCrndkbOTNDNRyiv_wg_2PWEcdZmENIJFk9b0fF8zAdSrT6ECWUV64_kbBEN6Qws83syafXmfGH_ovyfhXmV1g_Alut-0pAgW6CwdYg9W04b0fx2Z7wmsqjWrKtAyRDV3M1jhtcaViqs6QgLgNTA/s320/MV5BMmVhZjhlZDYtMDAwZi00MDcyLTgzOTItOWNiZjY0YmE0MGE0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div>36. 9/11/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_Things_I_Hate_About_You" target="_blank">10 Things I Hate About You</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>An oldie but a somewhat-goodie. Predictable, tropey, and problematic at times in all the old 90s ways of subtle misogyny and homophobia, and full of laughable scenes with beautiful people. The 16 year old sorta watched some of it with me and was mortified by the cringe factor and the fact that it was "SO heteronormative". Yup. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWU7vB4oGnI16n7sK1ujVQtI89JFmUb7yfs-JJ1yyEJU8B-dC-5EAXq2gWyPTaN8PXFp4GoZ9Mos1jOhSSpx_i0i2DzIka46Abnqd_-TDOmzsJU8dW1T5OeqqSyl9qKXEtwaaoeefkgXJie1-_o6xF8TydyZqXPKXSaB7423iow-u9TMfDQ/s300/GOOD-LUCK-LEO-GRANDE-poster-205x300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="205" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWU7vB4oGnI16n7sK1ujVQtI89JFmUb7yfs-JJ1yyEJU8B-dC-5EAXq2gWyPTaN8PXFp4GoZ9Mos1jOhSSpx_i0i2DzIka46Abnqd_-TDOmzsJU8dW1T5OeqqSyl9qKXEtwaaoeefkgXJie1-_o6xF8TydyZqXPKXSaB7423iow-u9TMfDQ/s1600/GOOD-LUCK-LEO-GRANDE-poster-205x300.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div>35. 9/10/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Luck_to_You,_Leo_Grande" target="_blank">Good Luck to You, Leo Grande</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)<br /><div>When I first heard about the premise of this movie, I knew I'd want to see it, but I wasn't sure if it was something I wanted to watch with Hubby or on my own. I ended up watching solo, and I think I'm glad I did, because I was able to sit with my own thoughts about aging, body insecurity, and sexual desire, and how they all intersect. Kinda heavy for a flick, huh? Even with that said, it still had lighthearted moments that truly made me LOL, and more tenderness than I expected. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything%27s_Trash" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnypjrthYfucPzVf_raAdI7JVN1_Ynm9lT7VyXC9Y8SePVer07paPyYFHfB309CsBldy2FitCdeyc5eTgCmfgr4JafejU6-dYqreA_2I9AFH2bL0jrOEdFxZ5UTEtvHqd96aM3m-T_watpFzmJawZAYBtl875N9LhS--yFBImLmR2vYm9yw/s320/MV5BOTY1OWYxZTAtMmI3NS00NTA2LTkwNDQtYTQxZWMzYjE3M2Y1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxNjUyMDkx._V1_.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><div>34. 9/8/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything%27s_Trash" target="_blank">Everything's Trash</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div>This show is ridiculously silly, and it's absolutely Phoebe Robinson. She's goofy and goofs up constantly, and she's adorable and contrite when called for. Pretty predictable, but still fun to watch and solid casting. Great for vegging out television.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbott_Elementary" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmhXYYrn5fT4FdMt8OXsvwG5xr2o8BgMMtglQDdwRiEI3AzZTYHh9J_q_VgjCGj1GM-XJ1RZT0jrc87SrEokythwb3rE-YHyscR2VkH3axWl8rBlsRoRlpAmWXnA7m1mmVvTiXm8H52t_pbmtLxlfISS0Vv5bOUav9tKzPn_m18CLsvQDQg/s320/p20001979_b_v13_ac.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>33. 9/8/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbott_Elementary" target="_blank">Abbot Elementary</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div>When we DVR'd the first episode of this one, I wasn't sure that I was going to get into it. It felt a little too formulaic and like a laugh track could fit right in. But this show and cast definitely came together as the show went on, and I came to quite enjoy my time with it over the season. There were so many similarities in this fictional Philly school and the elementary school that my younger two kids attended in MD. The Step Club episode especially brought that home, and one of my kids was a bit ticked that we moved the summer before she would have been old enough to join her school's team!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="168" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzrs4Bxfb4MgwSEFl0hZpaCysUsC3Adq1qooqLNnrqhhj_My9jedkLpgY7kO4Oyif-uirQbs9RCJjwGd6DGfjTkumA1UXVCl380neVhSVhsaYPKgSudeTmwv-9xK2uakagVG8MePAyF8GvZnlgHkbQbGIvIwfzN1jGURJ1svXYV8CvVvsJA/w190-h269/2069499-168.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div>32. 9/7/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)" target="_blank">What We Do in the Shadows</a></i></div><div>(Season 4, FX)</div><div>If this show had 30 episodes a season, it still wouldn't be enough for me. Seriously. Vampire nightclub. Blood sprinklers. Wraiths. Marwa and Freddie. The freaking New Jersey Devil. This season just made the show better and better, and ten episodes will never be enough. Guillermo, we're so, so ready for your debut next season! I've laughed myself to tears at this show. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Marvelous_Mrs._Maisel" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R4mByXTLqs0La5o35hzGSj2VZsiUv6AUgu6iHrfDzIAsJO3B98qESAGaP_0C78xXQPDAl9uD_3kZnTBZunV-3mML5MiPKPI1lpA-Ry-m9fx1gG01lGXXCGUkOaf8x4K8uhBGhoQ9LOyywTdDb_qjydkZwCiNwI4JrjuZ_VPr7r4sp8GF_A/s320/H_362_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>31. 9/5/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Marvelous_Mrs._Maisel" target="_blank">The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel</a></i></div><div>(Season 4, Amazon Prime)<br /><div>Well, I'm not sure if it's you or me, Maisel, but we're just not as good a fit as we used to be. I wasn't terribly excited to start this season, and then once we did, we forgot all about it after watching one or two episodes and didn't return for months. Then it felt like a bit of a task just to watch and get it over with. Sigh. Next season is the final season and I think that's best for everyone involved.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_First_Dates" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNaFRKfes_CO47ecLMHZKV4pF2Bvkv2PXZW5CNOY0YQOEomMetQAtS3hFRgc-A_26dJdA6hglsAveI1tlZgpDnsJn02xiM-mt2rg9VI8khnpoY8Xa3MR4h21BzweffMoDPlPncU8bxjAkqT1ojNfmWfEV5UicF7Yn6BWU-x0wdL-NnH5N5w/s320/50fd.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div>30. 9/3/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_First_Dates" target="_blank">50 First Dates</a></i></div><div>(some random TV station in a DC hotel)</div><div>After a long day at the National Book Festival, Justin and I spent our last night in DC eating deliciously greasy Five Guys and watching this old flick together. Is it problematic at times? Yup, no doubt, but surprisingly, it's one of Adam Sandler's less offensive ones. I was still laughing at all the old familiar parts after all these years. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Girls" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1500" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LDF_Pp4q7uYmuvf8zCmboYmhR9Lzp1T-lQdbET3thrJhQ3rV7Ah4l7fIm-q_c0c3gdmUP7EJOORdof1aHPpYR1pXRK-jcUoP1jQsbQb1MXvdgD_8q83D1jOegD4ZbUWOwFTlEyCsnYhK1SoJq7T2GYzkZSuP7V4476iMrby1pN56lVqxKQ/s320/71lbitJRMmL._SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>29. 9/1/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Girls" target="_blank">The Golden Girls</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-7, Hulu)</div><div>When I got Covid back in January, I isolated in our guest room for 10 days. While my head pounded and my throat burned like a million fires, I couldn't do much but lie on the bed and stare listlessly. I figured that it was better to stare at something other than the coronavirus-filled air. I pulled up Hulu and started scrolling, and then my exhausted eyes fell on four of my old favorites and realized I could use up a lot of hours by starting the first of seven seasons of <i>The Golden Girls. </i>Eight months later, I have enjoyed hanging out with Rose, Dorothy, Sophia, and Blanche while washing dishes, folding laundry, creating spreadsheets, lying on the couch, walking down the street. All I'm left feeling is gratitude. Thank you, all, for being a friend. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Murders_in_the_Building" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOWZFrcOUwMhTw5WZBYm-G4llMyXF69C6DyABszH1xWoXWKFxt4Ju3AH4rjqq5wNZw3NalcxDHKisDZO3vIhqucIPJGHhfL9bBylfE-2AM32nYS8yM9Otet5NkOBa0wioQrSt880-B8AaNwmTDmf42vo5QViVGVzKxauXSbAFA_GhHyklsQ/s320/p21899520_b_v9_aa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>28. 8/28/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Murders_in_the_Building" target="_blank">Only Murders in the Building</a></i></div><div>(Season 2, Hulu)</div><div>Just when I think I can't possibly take any more Martin Short, this show brings my emotions out and I'm left rooting for him. And the others, too, though they're less likely to annoy me as much as MS is capable of. We watched this season somewhat disjointedly, which was a detriment to my getting into it like last season, but when we were finally able to binge the final six episodes over the course of a couple days, it really all came back together. I thought the finale was clever and intriguing, with some surprises and some guesses confirmed. With the final scene, we're guaranteed another season, and with Paul Rudd, to boot. WOO-HOO!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Everywhere_All_at_Once" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWm81JF30_JpWd1Y5ZAAEA8cZuhlb3Vp_AKUyxVnbfc6H9szNds-oDU0QaPFK0HLpXx2-ZxnjsUvinaLVN140KbygbNE8Szg8C5ns7JxpVZ7ArMLAy9z9XVCp3Q4mzjellyfVFP-KjAPgZR4M8a0jCHLac0E3BlwfnfPD1_O6Rrx8kiE6Ldw/s320/MV5BYTdiOTIyZTQtNmQ1OS00NjZlLWIyMTgtYzk5Y2M3ZDVmMDk1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTAzMDg4NzU0._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div>27. 8/25/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Everywhere_All_at_Once" target="_blank">Everything Everywhere All At Once</a></i></div><div>(re-release in theater)<span> </span></div><div>Why did it take me so long to see this AMAZING MOVIE?? I had the sense that it was critically acclaimed and that it was about multiverses, but but that was literally all I knew about it, and while I'm glad I got to see it without having anything spoiled for me, it also seems weird that this wasn't talked about more than it was. It was simply brilliant. Amazing visuals, awesome emotional arc, fight scenes literally like nothing I've ever seen before. I cannot praise this highly enough. I want to watch it again immediately, and all I want to do is talk to my friends about hot dog fingers!!!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severance_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEockSypuzC4c9WMiiWkmGg7rm69POE-jrKwXKHs1-r_zDUgOBbOxhDSlcqarSwC9koaSWZ01Lw50Grpy1nOIclt2RrRn-Tz4sGE0uiby3gmS6JLip12oAaZnf-LZ4fq9fs9Qmx7qoKuWoh2su907_d5dcO0aZCpdHnlDy7OIJMGUxpVlzYA/s320/MV5BOThjMjc4NDUtNmIyOC00MzhmLWIxNjQtMDlkOTlmNzA0NDJlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDM2NDM2MQ@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>26. 8/6/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severance_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Severance</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, AppleTV+)</div><div>Well, shit, there were times I wanted nothing more than to be severed from this damn show. I think the biggest problem was that we watched it over the course of many weeks, usually one episode at a time. The 16 year old and I joined two pals on their porch for the viewings, another pandemic viewing experience. My mind was constantly addled at this show, but damn if it wasn't brilliantly told in the end... except there wasn't an end, because the first season ended on a GIANT cliffhanger. I can't wait for it to return, and I think I'll need to watch it a bit quicker for season two!!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="168" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxH6XtZZ0anvrfomyLN-gc8xkUSX9RSLdHm-ZbJKmOgciZpNBYdJDdZjlS6tS6GdKz3TsYRCYUfQDbOlf1BqbZjdA2aq4fqnn0uGsBpci6uzwo1Af9V1fEu8RYdv34_tx-dxk6Ig1tWjj4CiO-r80qKPD7IlfBnIEn5ATxcZCwZW8KnOBEA/w226-h320/1899407-168.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div>25. 7/28/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy" target="_blank">Grey's Anatomy</a></i></div><div>(Season 18, ABC/Hulu)</div><div>When. Will. This. Ever. End.</div><div>Okay, I've been with this show for almost two decades, and by the end of this season, it's looking more than ever like I might be freed from the world of Seattle's Grey-Sloane Memorial. Please. We all need these characters to ride off into the distance, each to pursue a life without never-ending tragedy. Sigh. But, I'm a sucker, and even though I forgot that I stopped watching weekly sometime in the winter, once I remembered, I binged through the final episodes on Hulu as a background distraction during other tasks. Yes, I still love all these characters, and that's why I can't NOT watch. One more year?? <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knives_Out" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1061" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuXHKL1TU_yP1mCB0L-wtgzNFxysRFVWm948FXs3TuEHTMBgqLp61nA8tqYP_RYZolz-nKs2y8PZmRGhPYm2bH2Hy38bDtenX7XlGY8oIWUjJc4dUFiL_1vfCNyESBv4U6Or_C597W6UAt7J1_fbDUluKDi-JoBPg0N3VE0i-LNo3KS5HwA/s320/KO.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div>24. 7/24/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knives_Out" target="_blank">Knives Out</a></i></div><div>(Amazon rental)<br /><div>None of the kids had seen this modern-day classic, so on a rainy Saturday, we rented it and made a "living room picnic" for dinner and watched as they all had their minds boggled. The 14-year-old called so many aspects of the movie, and I don't know if they had googled things or were just way more perceptive than the rest of us the first time around. All I do know is that I loved this flick just as much the third time as I did the first two times! So freaking clever.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeders_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJojftoTRN-tuTYG_vIz19GTGJBkttZ9I0gSfzSMoArfrv1lpuasg6cWeSBMUchhNMuUULRXDzdpt1kqvF0FkdB7_gW40wOUPZ1LhWtidGxDCE44azmu54jwBvP930Gw4noRlXdESqxEHXnir_YE_O-SHOzjrYAsOcz8x1e3zciS_6kk7bJA/s320/YouTube-12-800x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>23. 7/12/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeders_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Breeders</a></i></div><div>(Season 3, Hulu)</div><div>Well, shit. This "dark comedy" is likely the most realistic portrayal I've seen yet of how I've experienced parenthood and marriage. That makes it simultaneously really affirming and quite dreadful to watch. Dreadful in that I am incredibly full of dread to see what Paul and Ally will be experiencing next. I appreciate the depictions of mental health and illness, along with menopause and emotional disorders, that help normalize my own experiences, and the realness of the characters, in all their good an bad, just gets stronger and stronger as the seasons go by. I kind of hope this one never ends. I want to keep taking this ride with Ally and Paul for quite a while longer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="182" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZsc7xxThPQ2be2X9aK60gE4izkQNezjHxlVqWy1M0fqbLkt4HSl5heEcdiJT0XDen0viAZEVGu0BBaqjjlMofG8yH0p7Gu9mAGtliomJplATBBNc_NUjvclAzexVMAUHczRQgLjJoctv76LyO7S-DPdZi8o3_Hdirzic_JwITWsz8xwTQw/w208-h317/download.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div>22. 7/4/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things" target="_blank">Stranger Things</a> </i></div><div>(Season 4, Netflix)</div><div>This season had me running up that goddamn hill for hours and hours and hours. Seriously, after binging it over the long weekend, I haven't been able to get Kate Bush to stop singing in my head! I watched the first part (episodes 1-7) on my phone while doing chores or lying down, but I knew that I needed to watch the last two epic episodes on the actual television so I could have a bigger screen... and the comfy couch since it was going to be about four hours of viewing! The kids stayed up to watch when the final two episodes dropped on Friday at THREE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING, but only the 16-year-old could make it all the way through. I found her sobbing in her bed around 8, because the finale emotionally scarred her. She watched quite a few of the episodes again with me, including the last two episodes, and she's still pretty beat up about the whole experience. Coming to this season right on the heels of finishing <i>Umbrella Academy</i>, I can't help but draw parallels between the plots and several of the characters. The teen drama makes <i>Stranger Things</i> a bit less enjoyable for me, but it must be noted that these kids work together much better than the Umbrellas (and certainly the Sparrows!). Here's hoping that we don't have to wait another THREE YEARS to get the final season and hopefully some resolution. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Umbrella_Academy_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YTM-Iqa9mSAPHIAF7x2_ObShtvQQuva0RQ4Q9NvWw7sUCELf0fGm4Lt9UhwQ8fLvootHFD-BuCToj5lGplJGPyLlBjbsj4buICGgv5VUrgNmrkKPJ5oGhrHq5dZD3Wy6aIbKVDkKbboaWxGi20ZqIb9VH4ZinXHkVkNNFZhMXZfIUMmqhw/s320/FV29zkNXoAI3pRf.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div>21. 6/29/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Umbrella_Academy_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Umbrella Academy</a></i></div><div>(Season 3, Netflix)</div><div>Most things are going to shit in the world right about now, but it can be said that there is a ton of fantastic television (etc.) being created. <i>Umbrella Academy </i>has been one bright spot of the week, and man, this show fucks with my head and I love every second. Okay, clarification, I love every second when Klaus and Five are involved, and I <i>mostly</i> love every other second. Allison and Allison's bitterness (an entire character of its own) was a bit much to take this season, and Luther and Sloane were a bit over the top, and I'm still confused as to why we got ZERO explanation about the fucking cube, but there was almost nonstop action and entertainment. And Five kicking ass and using his old man brain like a boss. And Klaus just being <i>so damn Klaus</i> in all of his scenes. Love.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Things_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fj09zhu3dX9H_VokvCj7cZoppilG30ssViplIgdrFEPXMVIN8bMiD46Nlod0S61UZK6W8KmdkmFM3MMeTnHYIEE-YVn45mKjGyYQyA2I7STuFkVU41a2mhrnYrguALgrsiS77pF5wmdqwjyYJ_pyAZnEptwambEuq9fQjSBw49DW1zrBzw/s320/FG1OA3DUcAQTqOX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>20. 6/26/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Things_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Better Things</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-5, Hulu)</div><div>It's hard for me to put into adequate words how much this show has meant to me. In the first season, I struggled with liking protagonist Sam's kids who were more often than not shitty as can be to her. I found myself wishing she would approach her interactions with her kids differently, but that didn't last for too long because I realized it was a bit assholish of me to assume that my approaches would be any better. When I really began to understand each character-- aided by the fucking amazing performances by every single person here-- I truly fell under the spell of this show. And I saw Sam living this life that was so very different than my own and still expressing herself in ways that felt 100% authentic and relatable. I wanted to be at her big dinner table, in the mix and in the mess, because I feel like I would be understood and seen. Pamela Adlon created magic with this show, and I cannot recommend it enough.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDI3-81oikq0MHFrGBE2w_jdG0gDAKJyqOk23pvFE24E70m6tSn0xUipF4pzVHgUDSrj3HhNwtI0BPg_KW1_92lI2zg3gIxfPWcNFhCNHSSUrkmeoOUP97t23kqjV8MH5_hCYx3WEJCXLyFG7-hzBuxe5aIWZp3WtOmIfIaRLDeMe1pKdNw/s1482/STARSTRUCK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDI3-81oikq0MHFrGBE2w_jdG0gDAKJyqOk23pvFE24E70m6tSn0xUipF4pzVHgUDSrj3HhNwtI0BPg_KW1_92lI2zg3gIxfPWcNFhCNHSSUrkmeoOUP97t23kqjV8MH5_hCYx3WEJCXLyFG7-hzBuxe5aIWZp3WtOmIfIaRLDeMe1pKdNw/s320/STARSTRUCK.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>19. 6/23/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starstruck_(2021_TV_series)" target="_blank">Starstruck</a></i></div><div>(Season 1-2, HBO Max)</div><div>A friend recommended this series for when I needed a lighthearted watch, and it was finally time. Twelve episodes over two seasons did just the trick-- an on-again and off-again relationship between two seemingly incompatible people who keep finding their way back to each other accompanied by snarky humor and awesome accents. Perfection for that lighthearted watch. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowjackets_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6Gll5pziYDGFjIdOhgyM_KcETTJFwU6__UaY6EmwpMvu8zNxqzotu-Mf2mhSEk_zt8blyVsroO0xL6Iv6ed7CEYRHwxfLgl34Lw3ej35m_lhBht4xVGtBQf149bq41I_URcWszCLlfyjSGUgXrAg_vGs7GYwMm2jTj0GotwvW8N0V4kDEQ/s320/YJ.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>18. 5/27/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowjackets_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Yellowjackets</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Showtime)</div><div>JFC, this show was beyond bonkers. Because of a friend, I watched this when only Season 1 was out, and it's going to affect our friendship forever. Just kidding... sorta. The opening scene of the very first episode begins to tell a sordid story that never gets addressed again in the multiple stories being told in both 1996 and present day. THE SHOW NEVER GETS TO THAT POINT AGAIN! Instead, it goes deep into other storylines and they're all terrifying and I was on edge for ten full episodes. Is there a mystical element? Something supernatural? Unnatural? Otherworldly? Is it all the result of Lottie's untreated mental illness? Jesus, how am I going to be able to wait for more??</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Flag_Means_Death" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwR_MA8-48HtQIOmbyEzYlwIGwkpfPD6AJEOvgszXZS8yX0PGjEco1d5iQxe-ffCcQoW1OQCgh82M_eEIVtsdLpPFJ_H7l3cnS639w4QJkceIXmadLatGfI_tHs2KvQMGifPM5VwOS-Jj426KUbeF_uE7UOpCb4cHnh5QpGIJmC9SthUs4Q/s320/images.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>17. 5/15/22 & 6/4/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Flag_Means_Death" target="_blank">Our Flag Means Death</a></i></div><div>(HBO Max)</div><div>However I feel about this show will never, ever come close to how my 16-year-old has connected to the adventurous tale we now just refer to as "Gay Pirates." And that's saying something because I have been completely taken by this show's utter joy and celebration of love and self-truth. Along with the fact that it's just fucking hilarious. 10 out of 10. Absolutely recommend. Also, Taika Waititi holds a special place in my heart-- even though I liked him before, now the ease of a simple foot touch, I'm in absolute adoration and love.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Strange_in_the_Multiverse_of_Madness" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p-ZukHMK80cYwUjLlflOXbEJODn4IW0GxaxhTOLkNoOcDI9cKRoLmyrKwzUXQZsnCPImL70I6XtU97mKMV_nLXuH-6XbtlVPKGJpy21SFp0i239lzYSw5hfTACF5BkL8yXzUVdHuCUdPAFjhiInY8LYR2K7eZmfLJ5_hj8feEjAiQYuLAg/s320/doctorstrange2-menu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>16. 5/7/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Strange_in_the_Multiverse_of_Madness" target="_blank">Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness</a></i></div><div>(theater)</div><div>I don't really know what I watched here, having never seen the other <i>Dr. Strange</i> movie nor many other flicks in the whole Marvel universe. Or multiverses? Who the hell knows. It was an assault on the senses and there was a lot to giggle about as I flung my hands about wildly. That was less appreciated by my offspring, but at least I had a good time. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Starling" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-B7nYpogtInhArVrLzcEe_lVAYZuD6bW1_RPXTMmvTGSn2karorbGC9cJL7tbwyK681vBESVvsphNad9UR_5dsXMQw3o7t2Jmx71crb5tEbNSLYGU2RqMs3TcT3hm9PkkyWhJaascc9NuvE5q1RpfN6shyvA8ClvHY3H4DjkiCSdSK-skA/s320/large_603179_m1629949220.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div>15. 5/3/22<span> </span></div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Starling" target="_blank">The Starling</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>I hadn't heard anything about this movie before my dad started it on Netflix, but I did think that it would be comedic considering the two leads. Huh. Seems that they can do drama pretty damn well, too. This is a tearjerker, by all measures, and it has a few chuckle-worthy lines, because Melissa McCarthy can throw them out with great talent. Some aspects about this film touched close to home and left me sobbing, and I'm grateful for the mental illness representation. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18949702/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2ynH0QaI5ql_NAIerlpRZETkfHwheu6jQBtWI6oCaQUi2baj7bRxBP-c6B824ocAn-758TCyuwZPQdZZgW2baQeVBvzd-QTyjt_huooK6lX8wfTQZK4wYmoC5H-pZ-e47CbD3f_6iMPPnO2VdVFspUXe8LIkpMRz_uudR5gvzIkJiL-ZFg/s1600/download.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><div>14. 4/16/22</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18949702/" target="_blank">Search Party</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-5, HBO Max)</div><div>For months, a friend kept encouraging me to watch this show, and I was in the middle of other things and kinda forgot for a bit. But once I remembered and gave it a go, I couldn't do anything else. I binged five seasons in a shamefully short amount of time. This started out somewhat ironically serious in the first season, then started to get pretty silly in the second, moved into the realm of absurdity in seasons three and four, and then season five came around and WTAF? Jesus, did we have to go *there*? By *there* I mean the genre I like the least, but won't explicitly state here for spoilers, I guess. Even in my EXTREME DISCOMFORT, I was still cracking up at the absurdity and the ridiculousness of these self-absorbed characters who did not learn one goddamn thing after all the trouble they got themselves into. But damn, Alia Shawkat is a GODDESS. Period.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18949702/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bHeLIEM4xnX3LyXapYHcBLf7IiMq6JtlQ8u_68UJN6yDHDl-dA0euS9leOmKkSE-ZdeAuHrEQGYkNSNH9KhaTwjLnR7A0KAXIQ-d0C6oJE_novJhz3fNzTot_YVpkgdqfdFTuOx9awy7CZHGQUB7jQpx7uKK-FpKyj43c3MV4vJIESpaXw/s320/MV5BNjI2MzA2NjYtYzMxZi00ODVlLWE1ODUtMDY0M2U0MmMxOTAxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjEwNTM2Mzc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>13. 4/10/22</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18949702/" target="_blank">Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel</a></i></div><div>(HBO Max)</div><div>All we knew when we turned this comedy special on was that we had laughed a lot when Jerrod Carmichael hosted <i>Saturday Night Live </i>and that this was his most recent stand up special. I'm not sure if going in with no information about him or the content of the show was the best approach or not, but we most definitely did not get what we expected from a stand up special. And I just adored it. The almost confessional tone is one that I enjoy from others like Hannah Gadsby and Neal Brennan, and while each of these comedians' style is different, I could still see a connection in the emotion of the special. And this was FULL of emotions, in a way that I as a white woman have not come to expect from productions by Black men. It was raw and sensitive and clearly painful at times for Jerrod Carmichael, and I have nothing but respect for his way of working through his own personal and family issues in the public eye. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgerton" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVP5ebWiKkRNJTZw74ycygWYh5FUDMmvD5pUm_DaMRqCRlTPX1FjmI12evOV2rxaPMTSS4kxf-iJkMJIf3cRfVi9iWtLiNrYoC0dPzVbyrWLmxucbLMjLkomHG30CPlsfnD2cRwFVWcleGU8O5YX0xFGSF5MCdPaH-dyMjFKyvHPSbqzrrVA/s320/BTN.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>12. 4/5/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgerton" target="_blank">Bridgerton</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1 & 2, Netflix)</div><div>Sure, I don't believe anyone's bodice was ripped in either season, but I'm pretty sure there weren't many other differences between this series and the romance novels I used to read in middle school. Okay, these were significantly heavier on the consent and less on the rapey side, but so many of the same relationship tropes were there. There was still some of the "don't say what you actually feel" messaging, which got to be frustrating and irritating after a while. But, the people, clothing, and sets were all cast/designed gorgeously, and the music (especially the classical renderings of contemporary pop music) was incredible, so it was an utter feast for the senses. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchorman:_The_Legend_of_Ron_Burgundy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJP9K9bv8G9yCYjp0H-5s6QdfYEVGuATHBqoFbAh3IbA2CT5Dde_IQWNFk61unBWfLzopCQFPdZsngLWVh_0_RIoU8kpPYoEsD8uHmozEFOTa5mqgNK04GwCQMzc1889TVtpt2sB819pr24ieD5WsumGjK2JCbDsiZJT-9boYWGgVFpVuqw/s320/Movie_poster_Anchorman_The_Legend_of_Ron_Burgundy.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>11. 3/25/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchorman:_The_Legend_of_Ron_Burgundy" target="_blank">Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy</a></i></div><div>(DVD, for the millionth time)</div><div>What can I say about this movie that I haven't said before? It's inappropriate and goes too far, and I laugh and laugh. The 15-year-old asked when she could ever watch it, and this was the weekend. Because she's a teenager and she knows how much I love it, she reported that it was "overrated" at the end, even though she guffawed loudly through the entire movie. Yeah, I see you.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_on_the_Orient_Express_(2017_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW69YIg8MaQArVmeiF2wZo4FYaHg16TQSmHO6FJ1gMgT28GfGfvacCgf_2MHiyLgaliBGVDs6RyQp0Ggjvau5p0Gjk9avntmw8UorRpJT_IzmmB-PkqUkmxbGubkfPrEqg65XSH-eaK7x7sn8GqwSOrdCyZW3qbAVhar3OWc1HHdeu1HwpBA/s320/MOTOE.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>10. 3/20/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_on_the_Orient_Express_(2017_film)" target="_blank">Murder on the Orient Express</a></i></div><div>(ABC On Demand)</div><div>Well, I was hoping that I'd enjoy this one as much as <i>Death on the Nile</i>, but honestly, I was lost for much of it and just wasn't as interested in these characters. I thought I had read this Agatha Christie way back when I was in my AG stage, maybe middle school, but I didn't remember one damn thing about the plot, and according to my quick Wikipedia readings, it would seem that the movie didn't make many big changes at all. I'm not counting out wanting to see any more AG adaptations from Kenneth Branagh that may come out in the future, but my hopes may be tempered.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turning_Red" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsi8-cdNd38yjT9jNvLfBvWxrHZeWc_lfj2neCjKsbgcijbUAStwVYqud7c_zXQIqEjsOgPyghTbX6QBdaY3Bc86xJl9UMF4IdyvSq60ZwEOecOrv_QdI2jVtHMKVW-qpyJXhXgUYez6zBxfl-qVJQH0oZ9r23ch7sOO2qsjdOd0fzhE_wBQ=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>9. 3/12/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turning_Red" target="_blank">Turning Red</a></i></div><div>(Disney+)<br /><div>We watched this in a hotel room on our way home from Florida, and our 15-year-old actually loved it! I thought it was cute and sweet in a lot of ways, capturing early adolescence in its awkwardness and deep friendships and extreme fandom, so many things I can relate to and are still fresh in my head all these years later. I was happy to see diversity represented in ways that seemed authentic and not contrived. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Woman_in_the_House_Across_the_Street_from_the_Girl_in_the_Window" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="283" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0pwQAapVFvjEAq5jLQ4iY2vf9zRJ_8QK6lv5GTmP4kr7HTuhEIpWqbPdRfomqyRmhr3iIvLcF3Pyta6khOOUSROe96MTbPIaagslB0bWfT4e4XwzRQ9pNWJ2zGoibZqlYq-q6f_VXcdQgW2eZUwdKUQS4E8Vswss155aDC0cIYZ_z6bDpwA=s320" width="256" /></a></div>8. 3/11/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Woman_in_the_House_Across_the_Street_from_the_Girl_in_the_Window" target="_blank">The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Netflix)</div><div>If people watch this for at least the first episode and *don't* realize that it's a parody, then they should be hella embarrassed. I binge watched most of this first season while holding my sweet sleeping grandbaby, and I had to control myself from laughing out loud. Oh, it was ridiculous, and Kristen Bell keeps a straight face through some of the stupidest lines. The gravestone? Hilarious. Looking forward to the second season, which I hope gets greenlit!</div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murderville" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhihIkxlBjTCwzcl0q2_Hk5NcZfARxkNzMu3UZE2BBrd0oxIk4O_VWvavJjjbmWAcHxXf_bk8IjUNZjBYb8TzbFvXiF9O5DGsXFiOot9JYjXlvLnfPy3FVopmRHAQpALTBoUxXkODrL2YLkNAqpFx7pNpIA7N3-y9Ops1IsX7CO4fKKjTq1aA=s320" width="229" /></a></div><div>7. 3/10/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murderville" target="_blank">Murderville</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Netflix)</div><div>Six episodes and a few laughs made this show good enough for entertainment during other tasks- enough of a distraction while folding laundry or doing dishes. Some episodes were better than others, especially Kumail Nanjiani and Ken Jeong, because they couldn't stop themselves from laughing at times. I'm checking out some of the original British series episodes now, and it's about the same thing, except I don't know the guest stars.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Righteous_Gemstones" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_aKmhEhkPdcEJxUTt47kVm0ssZ_NIVM-ooB5jT7apP3zfNQme1DNMy6tcn-jR2tiVmlmsJ-blS918JFcD_SQXxde_aWqOkecP-fSHZILL254p5Lf1ORtdL4IMGxYaTkds88MAHghYNg2s9ClM9UHCQJsMFLjKCa55EwtbNsKimMJvL0ah-Q=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div>6. 2/27/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Righteous_Gemstones" target="_blank">The Righteous Gemstones</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-2, HBO)</div><div>Jesus Christ, this is one helluva show. Dark comedy is the description I see most often used, but that doesn't seem strong enough to cover it. This is ridiculously hilarious at times and gut-punchingly dark at others, and overall absurd throughout. I binge-watched season 1 and into season 2 by myself, then started over again with Hubby until the finale aired. This was a roller coaster <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ha!)</span> of events, and I'm not sure if I was rooting for or against this utterly amoral family, but I do love laughing at their hijinks. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_on_the_Nile_(2022_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2025" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijXknWPkdgSHlzMiqfkE_KFaN1TRmX_fHhTSUsLZTyghJ74CI03bHOwqfa8v6dTbCVFilPs4rHFE1HrhIkXKPQyIKVWzzRU0oxFo8E9UGXVvctTzN78X2thfUJGSz2VpQLljx8Pyv8E_d31eRfjPem5871UYPRcs1HkCR9iPdAnzVqF_E5qw=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>5. 2/19/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_on_the_Nile_(2022_film)" target="_blank">Death on the Nile</a></i></div><div>(theater)</div><div>This film starts out in black and white with subtitles, and I was immediately concerned that what we saw on the previews was not entirely representative of what the next 127 minutes were going to hold. All three kids agreed to come and were actually looking forward to seeing the movie based on that trailer, so I wondered if any of them would regret it. Soon enough, color came on and subtitles went off, and the flick started, and while it was a slow burn, I was on the edge of my seat! I don't know if I ever read the book back in my middle school/high school Agatha Christie phase, but I certainly didn't remember anything about it, so I was waiting for Hercule Poirot's revelations with great anticipation. It ends up that everyone quite enjoyed the film, slow pace and lack of any of the features they usually seek out (see any Marvel movie for examples) and all. I somehow missed seeing Kenneth Branagh's first portrayal of Poirot in <i>Murder on the Orient Express</i>, but I'm going to have to catch it now on a streaming service! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encanto_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTPckf7Wi24kPAOw41XGUgWumojltAtgEPtimmuQKPILWXVoXa95EVygbbqrNuyjAmKBX7mAEcnJtsBrgg0iAteIV9-rPOu15wCHE31VHlUA18yUy0ShIjvrxkDJ7MmNnKrVyLaci4iczHqlcXaJ8zQleIoyKbu75Gn7Sm3_04kyCORsCTKA=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>4. 2/18/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encanto_(film)" target="_blank">Encanto</a> </i></div><div>(Disney+)</div><div>My second viewing, and our youngest's first viewing, and it was as fun as it was the first time. I love that when we saw it last November, I left the theater saying that I really enjoyed the song about Bruno, and now that's pretty clearly the one I hear the most. Thanks Tiktok! </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Social_Network" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMHdAwTVyCBB8Fg8um_hlO6UCUKr0tia4AlN46FnUxph1g_ZKMie_mOs2NZjdN8hYcU3QhTmfMLXcoxGD9QtXSRJ4nny__fq2PFnzTt2BUgVF5DGHquqphxK4nlH9Z-Z8FWQOZWMYOh-Q4_OS0_C5msdTw7Ib_n4HJ4l_z6IWDG6c6nArEVw=s320" width="226" /></a></div><div>3. 1/28/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Social_Network" target="_blank">The Social Network</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)<br /><div>The 15-year-old in our family, who happens to be the world's biggest Andrew Garfield fan <span style="font-size: x-small;">(at this moment in time)</span>, has been bugging me to watch this with them. They find my FB usage to be HILARIOUS, and they thought I *needed* to see this flick. Man, I already knew that the Zuck was an asshole, but what a dickish beginning. I can't say that I enjoyed this movie, because I hated all the people in it with a fiery passion, but the acting was pretty fantastic. And you should see the 15-year-old act out the scene where Eduardo tells off Mark after being presented with the shitty buyout papers. Get this kid in the movies!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Lotus" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL_toG-_KILP7exnggsExxEZWFOWoU7uyfF-OaeyBm2qfbT1hzdq5LcsLTYS38PfCLkeGWY8C5F7r6dDPC07y4NmoFfzWXKSBmkMdPx6XWjO5pBDQJO4gWNh8l8XmG2lw1hK6jgKZb2YyetaXBskN0l7o43tlg5x2jlG3OTWEpZJbXSe08MA=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>2. 1/26/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Lotus" target="_blank">The White Lotus</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, HBO)</div><div>It would be really, really easy to say that this was a show filled with terrible people who are so unlike anybody or anything in my own life, and in a lot of ways, it's not a false statement. These uber-wealthy people live lives quite alien to me, and this vacation is unlike anything I've ever taken or will take. It's easy to use these so very different people to make a statement about capitalism and privilege and humanity, which this show does well. But, it's a little more discomforting to recognize that the extremes in this show-- the money, the lavish lifestyle, the paradise setting, the atrocious behaviors-- are just exaggerated examples of things we all can absolutely relate to. Perhaps that helps make this show fascinating, even as it's stomach-churning to watch. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Station_Eleven_(miniseries)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE0W-QnBwVbDfKAO8ae6zCzinCUinPWJWN0AFOVq7XUN3z6LeZSK94j8V5MlLJ-55L7IDnvKw0QZGi13EgaMaLv4CJQaic7uR3PD4fd24PLdQVFNpQg6BADMz-jLPk9aAEr0jm8zlwZlZFnYA_tOxt8nklHsXoa3kNDAvGBW6wKQJrG_bPTA=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>1. 1/18/22</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Station_Eleven_(miniseries)" target="_blank">Station Eleven</a></i></div><div>(HBO)</div><div>I was perplexed by the first couple episodes of this show, but not at all in a frustrated way. I wanted to talk about everything I'd seen, mull over small details in the dialogue, and throw out predictions of future connections to come. I couldn't watch this fast enough but was constrained by Hubby's schedule and the fact that we started watching before all the episodes had been released, which is never a good idea. Eventually, we made our way through the 10-episode limited series, and honestly, I want to watch it all over again because I'm positive that there were more details that went unnoticed. There was just SO MUCH to notice. I felt true appreciation for the way human connection was depicted in this story- in a time of an epic pandemic that wipes out the vast majority of all humankind leaving only a few souls behind, connection is all we'd have left, right? Add in the arts and storytelling as necessities for survival, and it all comes together as an ultimately beautiful, albeit harrowing, tale. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>
<br /> Happy viewing,<br /> <br />
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-53418152531902682302022-01-05T11:28:00.023-05:002022-12-14T18:27:27.597-05:00book reviews 2022<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghqhOcg_GK5f-bwD9_d7yQ6poo-Jt7qlhNAcStPwFTXIjycUNdWWd2wcOhFoaR_DEhGiqW0Ke-gmxEppzRFsYZKTrJpHbGa_dFqGvk94kg4lNleOyaqpEPSN4aMN_Q2ortK7AANZap0yU9pQ9m1TU9D3s9HGtRD4seOrdCxRxrZtAz-oRwVg=s4672" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3136" data-original-width="4672" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghqhOcg_GK5f-bwD9_d7yQ6poo-Jt7qlhNAcStPwFTXIjycUNdWWd2wcOhFoaR_DEhGiqW0Ke-gmxEppzRFsYZKTrJpHbGa_dFqGvk94kg4lNleOyaqpEPSN4aMN_Q2ortK7AANZap0yU9pQ9m1TU9D3s9HGtRD4seOrdCxRxrZtAz-oRwVg=w640-h430" width="640" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div>My memory is terrible. I think it's always been bad, but as I embrace the identity of "a woman of a certain age" more and more, I'm realizing it's only getting worse. It's always been for this reason that I record my experiences, whether or here or in other places both digital and not. So here I am again, for year fifteen in this space of beginning a list of the books I complete in this new year. My reading habits have had a rough go in the last two years, but I'm ever hopeful that no matter the number of books that get tallied here over the next twelve months, I'll still have spent happy time engaging with stories and information. This record began back in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2008/01/book-reviews.html" target="_blank">2008</a>, and it's been kept up through <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2009/01/book-reviews-2009.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2010/01/book-reviews-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2011/01/book-reviews-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2012/01/book-reviews-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2013/01/book-reviews-2013.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2014/01/book-reviews-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2015/01/book-reviews-2015.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2016/01/book-reviews-2016.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2017/01/book-reviews-2017.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2018/01/book-reviews-2018.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/01/book-reviews-2019.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2020/01/book-reviews-2020.html" target="_blank">2020</a>, and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2021/02/book-reviews-2021.html" target="_blank">2021</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kindred-Graphic-Adaptation-Damian-Duffy/dp/1419728555?keywords=kindred+graphic+novel&qid=1671060342&sprefix=kindred+gra%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=2276803f7baf13fd37970d161ec63a0e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1419728555&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1419728555" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>18. 12/14/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3Fr9uhD" target="_blank">Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation</a> </i>by Octavia E. Butler, Damian Duffy and John Jennings</div>When I purchased the novel, I also saw this graphic novel edition and thought it would make for an interesting companion read. It was much quicker to take in Dana's story in this format, but that's probably because I wasn't lingering on the images too long. It's difficult for me to form images in my head when I'm reading, so this addition gave more depth to the story but also more horror.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kindred-Octavia-Butler/dp/0807083690?keywords=kindred+octavia+butler&qid=1670981626&sprefix=kindred%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=65491621eecb4923d091d3fbb8764c97&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0807083690&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0807083690" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>17. 12/13/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3uMEC67" target="_blank">Kindred</a> </i>by Octavia E. Butler</div>No words that I could string together will be adequate enough to describe my experience with this powerful novel. Terror and horror play out in these pages, and it's all beyond anything I can even come close to understanding. But Octavia Butler pushes us to watch and listen as these past realities play out, and to try to see them through the eyes of a contemporary person. At times, I was surprised by the amount of sympathy Dana expressed toward the two most prominent white men in her life- her husband and the man who is responsible for her being ripped through time again and again. The parallels between their characters are important to examine and continue to consider when thinking about white people's actions and perspectives today. I was most struck by Dana's own experiences in meshing her 1976 sensibilities with the decisions she must make in an antebellum world of atrocities. There's no way a person could return to their present day in a whole condition, which we see both physically and metaphorically. In no way is this a comfortable read, and obviously, it shouldn't be. And it should be read for exactly that reason.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Family-Liars-Prequel-We-Were/dp/0593485858?crid=1IABL3UA4FETQ&keywords=family+of+liars&qid=1669938673&sprefix=famly+of+liars%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ca4b07cdbcbca88f63303d1fee6c39ab&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0593485858&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0593485858" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>16. 12/1/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3XJewyl" target="_blank">Family of Liars</a> </i>by E. Lockhart </div>It's been a couple of years since I read WE WERE LIARS, so I needed to read a summary before plunging into this prequel. As I read this story of the previous generation's experiences on the family island, the style and tone brought back memories of the other book, with some similar characterizations and a reminder of the *rich* family traits at play in this world. I found it hard to put down, but as I finished, I wanted the characters to quickly make their exits, as they're not terribly nice to be around, even just in my head.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Door-No-Return-Kwame-Alexander/dp/0316441864?crid=135E3RSXKLY3Z&keywords=the+door+of+no+return&qid=1669568316&sprefix=the+door+of+no+return%2Caps%2C-12&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=cb450c2be269ad0561d010ff37ff37b5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316441864&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0316441864" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>15. 11/26/22</div><div><i><a href="<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Door-No-Return-Kwame-Alexander/dp/0316441864?crid=135E3RSXKLY3Z&keywords=the+door+of+no+return&qid=1669568316&sprefix=the+door+of+no+return%2Caps%2C-12&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=cb450c2be269ad0561d010ff37ff37b5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316441864&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" ></a><img src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0316441864" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">The Door of No Return</a> </i>by Kwame Alexander</div>I've long appreciated Kwame Alexander's lyrical works for their poetic beauty, their incredible flow, and the joy and warmth he inevitably brings to every book he writes. This one is no exception, even as it tells of darkness much, much deeper than his other books. In his acknowledgements, Alexander speaks of his intentionality in creating a story that speaks of African experiences-- "Black history began way before 1619." The joy and spirit of the young protagonist is a marvel to read, and the terror he experiences, a testament to all those who were stolen from their lands.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blackout-Dhonielle-Clayton/dp/0063088096?crid=25BWK57O2IYT3&keywords=blackout+book&qid=1669418935&sprefix=blackout+book%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=cfb58a0d4b16369ef0576e6f3f544ade&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0063088096&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0063088096" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>14. 11/25/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3i2ah0f" target="_blank">Blackout</a> </i>by Dhonielle, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon</div>Utterly delightful. My heart raced in time with these characters'-- anxious, excited, afraid, and hopeful. What a freaking dream team of contemporary Black woman authors to come together, creating intertwined stories, each in their own style. The authenticity of the characters' voices is immediately apparent, and the stories are filled with the heaviness and lightness of late adolescence.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carnival-Snackery-Diaries-2003-2020/dp/0316558796?crid=1ETJI7VYJ71NL&keywords=carnival+of+snackery&qid=1668814304&sprefix=carnival+of+snackery%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ecdda0a5743d3a0145f89d4420d1a0dc&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316558796&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0316558796" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div></div><div>13. 11/17/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3tEnJKx" target="_blank">A Carnival of Snackery</a> </i>by David Sedaris</div>Oh, David. It takes bravery, or maybe just the total lack of fucks that comes with age, to put your private thoughts out there for all to read. While you're sometimes a bit of an ass, at least you're real. I've dog-eared pages that will be perfect to return to when I need an apropos of nothing kind of laugh.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Verity-Colleen-Hoover/dp/1538724731?crid=1DHRJNSQHEVHQ&keywords=verity&qid=1668645616&sprefix=verity%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=44659aaf9359090cd5719e81b21f6d1e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1538724731&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1538724731" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>12. 11/16/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3XaCHFC" target="_blank">Verity</a> </i>by Colleen Hoover</div><div>Considering that a friend recommended this and knowing that said friend is going to read this, I'll choose my words carefully. I was not a fan. This writer is not my cup of tea. Okay, sorry, friend, but this was torturous from the start and only got worse, and then even more worse than I thought possible.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Library-Novel-Matt-Haig/dp/0525559477?keywords=the+midnight+library&qid=1663964788&sprefix=the+midnight+lib%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=b3cc5daa9cc47ee84a45e20f5abccb74&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0525559477&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0525559477" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>11. 9/22/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3DPcl4B" target="_blank">The Midnight Library</a> </i>by Matt Haig</div>I'm so happy to be a part of a new book club with some friends, and this is our second read together. The description of this novel had me super excited, because the premise of exploring one's life's regrets by changing past choices, thus leading to different lives, intrigues me as a concept. While I enjoyed reading it, I do wish the novel had a bit more depth to it. The way the other lives played out ended up being fairly predictable, and I kept wishing for some not-as-obvious introspection. The lack of suspense as to how it would all end left me a little disappointed, but the ride was still pleasant enough. The best thing coming from reading this was the introspection it inspired in my own life, and even as the universe likes to throw figurative wrenches at us on the regular, it's always a good thing to stop and acknowledge the good in where we are right in this moment.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Extraordinary-Insects-Weird-Wonderful-Indispensable/dp/0008316376?crid=IP2HQI2PQMLB&keywords=extraordinary+insects&qid=1663520098&sprefix=extraordinary+insects%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=93d1feab4f872d0e74ee54c6f22b9585&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0008316376&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0008316376" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>10. 9/17/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3Lo7skM" target="_blank">Extraordinary Insects: The Fabulous, Indispensable Creatures Who Run Our World</a> </i>by Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson</div><div>A dear friend gave me this book a few months ago based solely on the cover and title, knowing that I have a curious wannabe-entomologist in my heart. This book made that part of me so satisfied with amazing tidbits and random facts. I dog-eared so many pages so I could read aloud a passage to anyone who would sit still long enough to hear it. Maybe others don't find bugs as fascinating as I do, but I hope this book finds its way to the people who will revel in its stories. But also, it would be helpful for even those folx who are not necessarily insect-enthusiasts to read this, because so much of the survival of our world rests on the backs of insects, and more research and willingness to learn is needed. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Librarian-Other-Stories-Computer/dp/0063070871?crid=2CN4QAC2XVE7Q&keywords=the+memory+librarian&qid=1662418115&sprefix=the+memory+librarian%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=a4f1416958e250c61976c034036ac9a4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0063070871&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0063070871" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>9. 9/4/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3D0vqQQ" target="_blank">The Memory Librarian and Other Stories of Dirty Computer</a> </i>by Janelle Monáe, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Danny Lore, Eve L. Ewing, Yohanca Delgado, and Shree Renée Thomas</div>I finished this collection of short stories the day after having the amazing pleasure of seeing authors Janelle Monáe, Alaya Dawn Johnson, and Yohanca Delgado speak about the book and its dystopian, afro-futurist world. The stories extend the world Monáe created with her DIRTY COMPUTER album and 'emotion picture', and in that expansion, the hope and love grows more and more. The intentional centering of Black, queer, nonbinary, and trans characters is valuable and so necessary. I appreciated the varied perspectives, some unfamiliar and others deeply relatable. Speculative fiction isn't a genre I have read much of, yet this reading experience was undeniably transformative for me.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Gothic-Silvia-Moreno-Garcia/dp/052562080X?crid=1KCVKYVDEVXMC&keywords=mexican+gothic&qid=1661626877&sprefix=mexican+gothic%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=3d11ee3d44ab656876b7975dcfa7ecba&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=052562080X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=052562080X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>8. 8/24/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ApzffH" target="_blank">Mexican Gothic</a> </i>by Silvia Moreno-Garcia</div>Read this for a new book club and it came highly recommended. Gothic isn't a typical genre for me, but I have been known to enjoy a bit of a mystery, and this was just fantastic. My margin notes document my confusion, bewilderment, and growing suspicions. Thematically, this novel was very similar to a blockbuster film from a few years ago-- I felt a connection between them from early on in the book. If you're looking for a quick read full of gothic tension, grab this one!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Transcendent-Kingdom-novel-Yaa-Gyasi/dp/1984899767?keywords=transcendent+kingdom+by+yaa+gyasi&qid=1658600566&sprefix=transcendent+kin%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=c577dbcceb22456e0f3605c92ebc49c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1984899767&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1984899767" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>7. 7/21/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3zCC6Tv" target="_blank">Transcendent Kingdom</a> </i>by Yaa Gyasi</div>Holy cow, this novel was perfection. The protagonist's voice rang so true and genuine to me, and there were many themes that were relatable and applicable to my life in this moment, making it sometimes a painful read. Painful but affirming in knowing someone else understands. Mental health themes always draw me in, and this was just a superb representation.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Movie-Tie-Saroo-Brierley/dp/0399584692?crid=17VHLLRDXRU01&keywords=lion+saroo&qid=1654215816&sprefix=lion+saroo%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-3&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=57fc99f276d1822fc726c4a07f687d1c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399584692&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0399584692" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>6. 5/29/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3NOv4z5" target="_blank">Lion</a> </i>by Saroo Brierley</div>Saroo Brierley's life story is pretty incredible and definitely deserving of being witnessed. He tells his story of survival with an optimistic tint, which was sometimes hard to believe considering he lived on the streets of Calcutta as a 5 year old child, but I accepted his conscious choice to keep everything positive. I never saw the movie, but it's now on the list.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Louvre-Jiro-Taniguchi/dp/1910856304?crid=39NW8PTYNC8ZB&keywords=guardians+of+the+louvre&qid=1647990075&sprefix=guardians+of+the+louvre%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=f6e78d27104a0531e20a0f24184aa4d7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1910856304&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1910856304" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>5. 3/22/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/352eKtK" target="_blank">Guardians of the Louvre</a> </i>by Jiro Taniguchi</div><div>My husband picked this up from the library especially for me when he was looking for manga for our kid. While it's not a common genre for me, I really got into the story and was amazed at the artwork. I spent one day of my life in The Louvre in 2017, and the images here were so realistic they brought back memories. The storytelling here was a bit out there, with fantastical elements that weren't necessarily linear, but I enjoyed the time out of my comfort zone.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Love-Fresh-Twists-Romantic-ebook/dp/B091PR9DP7?crid=OC53NCTJ2XDP&keywords=fools+in+love&qid=1647220183&sprefix=fools+in+love%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=4f5ea503e8e61e850c12ce61c103be25&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B091PR9DP7&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B091PR9DP7" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br /></div><div>4. 3/13/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3Ia7QQO" target="_blank">Fools in Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales</a> </i>Edited by Ashley Herring Blake and Rebecca Podos</div><div>What could be better for snippets of reading during a vacation week than a book of short stories? This YA collection of sweet little love stories- most queer, some not- was just perfect, filled with the tenderness and earnestness of late adolescence that us older readers can enjoy with a bit of nostalgia. It was a lovely escape from real life in short sittings.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Station-Eleven-Emily-John-Mandel/dp/0804172447?crid=333KOF8ML6XQ2&keywords=station+eleven&qid=1644955250&sprefix=station+eleven%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=898d815589ebd9b4e6198efc52257e0d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0804172447&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0804172447" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>3. 2/15/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3uTfJqL" target="_blank">Station Eleven</a> </i>by Emily St. John Mandel</div>After being wholly taken in by the limited series adaptation of this book earlier this year, I sought out the novel. While I know the first medium is always influential in forming preferences, I think that even had I read the book first, I likely still would have preferred the onscreen version. This original source material is bleaker and lacks some of the magic that was evident in the still-pretty-dark show. I found less hope in the human spirit and significantly less emphasis on the importance of human connections in the novel, as well. It's still an incredibly engaging story with interesting characters, but the show makes so many changes in both plot and characterization that I found more touching.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-We-Keep-Mason-Deaver/dp/133859334X?crid=Q9SV53YHNVGE&keywords=the+ghosts+we+keep&qid=1642112954&sprefix=the+ghosts+we+keep%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=1d20fc96977cc3a286e2479ed70e2528&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=133859334X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=133859334X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>2. 1/12/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3rjyUq7" target="_blank">The Ghosts We Keep</a> </i>by Mason Deaver</div><div>
Mason Deaver has written another novel with an adolescent protagonist working through pain and sharing their story in an authentic voice that hits hard. I read this in one sitting over the course of an afternoon, shifting in my seat through tough parts until I couldn't hold it in anymore and sobbing through the end. Liam, the protagonist, comes to some realizations about their relationships with their parents that were meaningful in special ways to me, hard to read and full of hope at the same time.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Nasty-Words-English-Forever/dp/0593188799?crid=2KRCO5XW3H25D&keywords=nine+nasty+words&qid=1641399989&sprefix=nine+nasty+words%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=61a8b1d9bb98c4275f54bb9f131510e4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0593188799&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0593188799" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>1. 1/3/22</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3sXX0JJ" target="_blank">Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter: Then, Now, and Forever</a> </i>by John McWhorter</div>A nonfiction romp about the linguistic histories of nine curse words <span style="font-size: x-small;">(plus a couple offshoots)</span> is apparently just what I needed. The fact that it was a gift from my husband that he first heard about on NPR only makes this reading experience even more perfect. I found this to be quite fascinating, especially when it confirmed and explained why certain words are used the way they are, in ways that I just *know* to be true even if I couldn't explain why. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Profanity in English apparently works wonderfully when it's a one-syllable word with a hard consonant at the end... there is actual satisfaction from uttering these sounds together. I KNOW!!)</span> The author's interjections of personal experiences keep the humor in what is surprisingly often rather academic. I loved this particular thought: <i>"Curse words are not just vulgar and thoughtless. They morph and meander and slip according to predictable, and even elegant, contours of cognitive associations. A final metaphor, perhaps: shit is elegant!"</i><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Happy reading,</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div></div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-38411614016398429602021-12-31T17:58:00.000-05:002021-12-31T17:58:23.333-05:00and here's the hand, my trusty friend<br /> A friend and I were having a conversation about a series we both recently started when the topic of the side characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern came up, as they were referenced in an episode I hadn't yet watched. My friend wasn't very familiar with the characters or their roles in <i>Hamlet. </i>I, on the other hand, have a wee bit of an <span style="font-size: x-small;">(almost 30-year) </span>obsession with these characters and the Tom Stoppard play <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosencrantz_and_Guildenstern_Are_Dead" target="_blank">Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead</a>. </i>See, when I was a senior in high school my AP English teacher, the fantastic and formidable Dr. Carol Robbins, assigned this play, and after we read it, we watched the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosencrantz_%26_Guildenstern_Are_Dead_(film)" target="_blank">1990 film adaptation</a>, which was the beginning of my love for these two characters. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQbDZGxZZuBWBtFosBlpGvqIwRNprKhioNjmw6ftRFWMMMiuCMWv51PVpyY_YvwfI86UvNywSwz_3yRwmTos_TEXuBRM9GY1C0w94nXthRgo2vthHDVbRDKLwlGfE-tJBM189wVqlzggM3ed6dJcc2rkuYAALoMcv21PtOajVgCON2dvQZEw=s649" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="649" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQbDZGxZZuBWBtFosBlpGvqIwRNprKhioNjmw6ftRFWMMMiuCMWv51PVpyY_YvwfI86UvNywSwz_3yRwmTos_TEXuBRM9GY1C0w94nXthRgo2vthHDVbRDKLwlGfE-tJBM189wVqlzggM3ed6dJcc2rkuYAALoMcv21PtOajVgCON2dvQZEw=w400-h193" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Back in that 92/93 classroom, <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/norwichbulletin/name/carol-taylor-obituary?id=16385141" target="_blank">Dr. Robbins</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(who was an incredible teacher and mentor to me, and whose passing a few years ago brought tears and reminiscing)</span> engaged us in discussions about the concept of existentialism, and me being the student I was, I participated and tried my best to take it all in. Apparently, it did not sink in at all, as my paper about the play and the relationship between the characters' experiences and the philosophy of existentialism was returned to me with the biggest, reddest F on the top, along with a note from Dr. Robbins indicating that I did not seem to understand the concept at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>No, no I did not. But, that F was motivation for me to actually figure out what this existentialism thing was all about. In the decades since my senior year in high school, I've rewatched the 1990 film several times, got to see an amazing <a href="https://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2015/05/20/rosencrantz-and-guildenstern-are-dead-at-folger-theatre-review/" target="_blank">production at the Folger Theater in DC</a>, and sat in an Ohio movie theater watching a live stream of a <a href="https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2017/rosencrantz-and-guildenstern/" target="_blank">performance at London's The Old Vic</a>, starring Daniel Radcliffe as one of the titular characters, no less. </div><div><br /></div><div>I adore this play, and I adore these characters, and as I talked with my friend about what I know about them and the play, I realized that I still don't have that great a grasp on the concept of existentialism. </div><div><br /></div><div>So this conversation with my friend inspired me to both pull out the old DVD for another viewing of Tim Roth and Gary Oldman flipping coins and wandering through their confused and confusing days until the meet their sad fates, and try some new reading about existentialism, which finally lead to me feeling there could be a connection between this train of thought and the annual year's end post I had been putting off on this almost defunct blog space. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, since my frequent blogging days of 2007, I've written a post each December to mark down some of the happiest moments and themes of the year. But last year, after 13 straight years of documenting the silly, the goofy, and the funny things I'd remember fondly, I changed up the format, because... well, 2020. As it went, 2021 turned out to be an interesting sequel, and I don't see myself returning to that old top ten format again this year either. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the question of what I would do-- or not do-- to mark this year has been rattling around in my head for weeks, after my conversation with my friend, it suddenly had to share space with my reignited interest in exploring existentialism, and the two bits of thought settled in quite nicely together. This particular article, "<a href="https://stanfordfreedomproject.com/what-is-freedom-new-essays-fall-2015/rosencrantz-and-guildenstern-as-existential-antiheroes-and-de-beauvoirs-subman/" target="_blank">Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as Existential Antiheroes and de Beauvoir's Subman</a>" would have done me a whole lot of good back in high school, and I appreciate its help today, even as I'm no longer trying to get over that failing grade. If you, too, are interested, I highly suggest it as a thought-provoking read, but the biggest point I'm taking away from it is Sartre's declaration that "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existence_precedes_essence" target="_blank">existence precedes essence</a>," meaning that people exist before any definition of their purpose for existing. That is, we are what we make of ourselves. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I look back at this year, the question I'm left with is what did we make of ourselves in 2021?</div><div><br /></div><div>I can tell you that as I sat here <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2020/12/the-year-that-wasnt-year-that-was.html" target="_blank">on the precipice of 2021 one year ago</a>, I felt optimistic that we'd find our ways back to who we were before the pandemic began. Did that happen? Absolutely not; in fact, I'm not sure it will ever be possible to return to being those people. So, with Sartre's thoughts on existentialism in mind, it's worth pondering-- what did we become this year? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA1gZK4RK1efLLUbQROL6nExJ6sSc2V9qc2dBTMFgGTO_1EifaGekkDCURJhwoa4Gh6X_PVuwxf4rrakbFjiFrPCjIWOhy8Ij9txL47dgZT2uaA5FPBnrMegT7-B785vOJ2lYBTIeEV6dI7TtACgfXQLmalQWtw8McvOoqDPnL5LpiXu9Bng=s1700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1700" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA1gZK4RK1efLLUbQROL6nExJ6sSc2V9qc2dBTMFgGTO_1EifaGekkDCURJhwoa4Gh6X_PVuwxf4rrakbFjiFrPCjIWOhy8Ij9txL47dgZT2uaA5FPBnrMegT7-B785vOJ2lYBTIeEV6dI7TtACgfXQLmalQWtw8McvOoqDPnL5LpiXu9Bng=w640-h370" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>In this stage of parenthood, it's tricky to know what or how much to share about the lives of these complex and ever-changing adolescents who I'm honored to call my kids. While this space has become almost obsolete as a record of our lives, it is still in the public domain and so, I'm opting not to share a whole lot about their personal lives here. Instead, let me look back on the year of being their mom, for if any identity of mine rises to the top, it is the one of parent. I'm fiercely proud of each of them, especially for the ways they've faced challenges head-on this year. This was a <i>rough </i>year in so many ways, and in just as many or more, this was also a mundane year of hanging out in the living room together, surrounded by snuggly animals and enjoying all the entertainment offered by NetHuDisPrime. As a parent, I hope I'm continuing to become the person they each need for love and support. If nothing else, I want the purpose of my life to be evident in my children. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjESEIoXVww5zZOojkvb2EiAO1CX6ANjAmpJj0wmJfa1xq_xkevHsgkwXXTwwvCT7xxwNH32VfIQvAdRGonnMg6_CCGyCPgbXDvQkuDDpAbAXUxtKDXtNAnKGH-p55t1T4_COBxnEe-MrTDy9jkuyITZAqDUOW1XZiYYBjcgJnFOBYYSI7Siw=s1134" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1134" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjESEIoXVww5zZOojkvb2EiAO1CX6ANjAmpJj0wmJfa1xq_xkevHsgkwXXTwwvCT7xxwNH32VfIQvAdRGonnMg6_CCGyCPgbXDvQkuDDpAbAXUxtKDXtNAnKGH-p55t1T4_COBxnEe-MrTDy9jkuyITZAqDUOW1XZiYYBjcgJnFOBYYSI7Siw=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVnIRAAmN6KmmaHDHW7vySGKzhreJVwdeZmggJEWKE5Kb7lmYUB2aUInfrcKUxcgHM2AxFHe4RpTZlGoswCeVoyyNiRJ4uwa_kXo_l1vMxSz-rhFyOYFP0HcdqJ2kXHVZpXQx3D0mJLcRY1XsJuAA7GkEL4RAzLCeP_0bwmkMslIjHwxfM7A=s1188" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1188" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVnIRAAmN6KmmaHDHW7vySGKzhreJVwdeZmggJEWKE5Kb7lmYUB2aUInfrcKUxcgHM2AxFHe4RpTZlGoswCeVoyyNiRJ4uwa_kXo_l1vMxSz-rhFyOYFP0HcdqJ2kXHVZpXQx3D0mJLcRY1XsJuAA7GkEL4RAzLCeP_0bwmkMslIjHwxfM7A=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1hwCoi0SdlCn8-Wb4gQcl9QX-IoH8DIMaBGSwVngVePPqzy15w3Wz_E-Xlm0vRDbA0lMZ1mi2y81wnqQytdvcAqes1cclr62I8FoxwkjmnZoJL06i9DVW6oiFwrXRoLAUlO55bkre-CxmszOliezPWmbq_c5qP5sJJgP1_-MumkFKS1OTog=s3354" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3354" data-original-width="2454" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1hwCoi0SdlCn8-Wb4gQcl9QX-IoH8DIMaBGSwVngVePPqzy15w3Wz_E-Xlm0vRDbA0lMZ1mi2y81wnqQytdvcAqes1cclr62I8FoxwkjmnZoJL06i9DVW6oiFwrXRoLAUlO55bkre-CxmszOliezPWmbq_c5qP5sJJgP1_-MumkFKS1OTog=w468-h640" width="468" /></a></div><br /><div>Since this isn't anything even near a research paper, I think it's okay to source Wikipedia for inspiration and reference. And this section on the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existence_precedes_essence" target="_blank">Existence precedes essence</a>" page is heavy in my thoughts as I look back on this year:<br /><br /><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>To existentialists, human beings-- through their consciousness-- create their own values and determine a meaning for their life because the human being does not possess any inherent identity or value. That identity or value must be created by the individual. By posing the acts that constitute them, they make their existence more significant.</i></div><div></div></blockquote><div>The values and meaning for my life in 2021 were so much defined by the relationships that I put my heart into. Family and friends are two different words for the same feeling, and at the end of yet another year, I am in awe at the love and support we continue to receive from the best human beings on this planet. My identity and purpose are so much defined by the people with whom I spend my days, whether those interactions be in person or, as so often has been the case for two years now, in virtual spaces. Thank all the gods in the history of gods for the technology that we have that has kept us connected even during the most isolated times of this pandemic. From paint nights to weird movies to taste tests of all varieties, raucous zoom calls and old-fashioned phone calls to endless exchanged memes, my people near and far always reminded me of the best meaning of my life-- connection.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtRh2yHfB_KWlXE5V_iQMZH3gZmBBa0K71PH1m_8WdxDinbd1YvNejslN_NNstrpvNVTNaVjUOBhjwUP3JxglA7IE4XPKy3eRLXBsK38D5Yivx_hTPPd7hje-zolzvh87zWiFpbmpE22YVbuOWqDduSMo5XUlDEzV9yL6AwALR0JY3Pk1ABg=s3354" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="3354" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtRh2yHfB_KWlXE5V_iQMZH3gZmBBa0K71PH1m_8WdxDinbd1YvNejslN_NNstrpvNVTNaVjUOBhjwUP3JxglA7IE4XPKy3eRLXBsK38D5Yivx_hTPPd7hje-zolzvh87zWiFpbmpE22YVbuOWqDduSMo5XUlDEzV9yL6AwALR0JY3Pk1ABg=w640-h496" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I can't talk about my identity or the life that I make for myself every day without the center of it all being the man who has been my partner for the last twenty-seven years. This is the person who holds my hand through the hard stuff, laughs with me through the absurdities, and goes the extra mile to make the special moments happen. Who else would drive a couple hours so I could spend just a little while with some Brood X cicadas, 17 years after I first fell in love with them in another state? This guy. Seriously, this guy is my person, and the only way I could have gotten through this year is with him by my side.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoqHfM0wBaxYNqdp3Vz3X2krm9Yn4bFRrhn5nzBiHFSR62uF5dZdXKDcLAlwSxprP1XfMHJcaNz-0_dm_XDQBY-XoALxPtsBlQJAMbPaxbLQvZoyVu2bkCBX30z_k23f2T6cxrVIoKOke7--T79ziEG_ltew_q9jrPwHg9RHC1EH6T5-Pyew=s3054" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2454" data-original-width="3054" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoqHfM0wBaxYNqdp3Vz3X2krm9Yn4bFRrhn5nzBiHFSR62uF5dZdXKDcLAlwSxprP1XfMHJcaNz-0_dm_XDQBY-XoALxPtsBlQJAMbPaxbLQvZoyVu2bkCBX30z_k23f2T6cxrVIoKOke7--T79ziEG_ltew_q9jrPwHg9RHC1EH6T5-Pyew=w640-h514" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>And just to note that not everything in 2021 was emotionally heavy, because a big chunk of the life that I've created for myself involves the care of the three four-legged creatures that always seem to be by my side or under my foot or under the blanket next to me. If all I had in life was the unconditional love of these silly creatures, I'd still be lucky as hell.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhN5D76T2LGE6fkGKIvXFbjg8fQYnMXLeKkQrIxs5qqCiIZU5XTw4QNOEPgtEnYtzy1Cerqb6PWkQDMFHC_MUathHCq93j3hNwTT3Rfqi8ShGuAa8ZPJY4S5wRdw9dHYk34Rz5gd3QZlBCdEZ1OASIs3wRqSL4lKC3wcWOgNcKs0fC1koya8g=s3054" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2454" data-original-width="3054" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhN5D76T2LGE6fkGKIvXFbjg8fQYnMXLeKkQrIxs5qqCiIZU5XTw4QNOEPgtEnYtzy1Cerqb6PWkQDMFHC_MUathHCq93j3hNwTT3Rfqi8ShGuAa8ZPJY4S5wRdw9dHYk34Rz5gd3QZlBCdEZ1OASIs3wRqSL4lKC3wcWOgNcKs0fC1koya8g=w640-h514" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>May this year be remembered for who chose to be as we got vaccinated and boosted and wore masks in all the public spaces. To those in my life, thank you for helping me to continue to grow and learn, pushing me to be an even better version of myself. And whether or not I'll ever fully grasp existentialism may still be up for debate, but I'm happy to try. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you will be raising a glass this evening, may you toast all the people in this world who make you who you are. And don't forget to say a special good word in honor of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/12/31/202965627/betty-white-death" target="_blank">Betty White</a>, who left this world today after bringing decades of joy to us all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's to 2022 and the people we've yet to become.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Title inspiration: "Auld Lang Syne" by Barenaked Ladies</i></b></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4kNL_oespvg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; border: medium none;" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-64771878601169495862021-06-08T21:49:00.003-04:002021-06-08T21:49:44.768-04:00paciencia y fe<div><br />Patience and faith are not necessarily in my wheelhouse, yet here we are, a year and a half into a pandemic and the parent of two teenagers, plus one just barely out of both his teens and our house. We could always use a lot of things, but perhaps patience and faith most of all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Parenting will always benefit from a surplus of patience, and when the kids were wee ones, it was a special kind of patience. As an infant cried to be fed, a toddler cried for attention, and an 8-year-old cried because homework is hell, I found myself the begging the universe for even a few more ounces of patience... patience with the kids' individual needs, which were always immediate and always in conflict with each other, and patience with myself, because it was easy to feel constantly overwhelmed and insufficient in those early years when I couldn't imagine a future that didn't involve wailing children.</div><div><br /></div><div>These days there's a significant decrease in the wailing, though not a complete disappearance because, teenagers. Hormones and anxiety and depression and isolation have all been hallmarks of the last year, and all we could do was try to summon up even more patience as a return to anything even resembling our old, familiar way of life couldn't be pinned on a specific calendar date. Patience was in short supply worldwide, yet we tried to cultivate it as much as possible.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xlZXXz_BWm88soc85VIMtQBKTzk4hpRKLeMMcXnUXqJ0bAIdorC8Ol8FBBH6aJhlBpO8gyl-3mLDxe2TLNLnDagi4Wk7bojVwbFJqtqgTaJgCdovapCV9ADSgtsmhqXmF5YG/s937/20210531_113004.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="711" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xlZXXz_BWm88soc85VIMtQBKTzk4hpRKLeMMcXnUXqJ0bAIdorC8Ol8FBBH6aJhlBpO8gyl-3mLDxe2TLNLnDagi4Wk7bojVwbFJqtqgTaJgCdovapCV9ADSgtsmhqXmF5YG/w486-h640/20210531_113004.png" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nature showing patience and faith in its every move...</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Faith, however, is a word with which I have a tricky relationship. Back when I was last a practicing Catholic in my own adolescence, I fought to be able to take this non-saint's-name-of-a-word as my Confirmation Name, just a few years before I finally came to the conclusion that religion, even in the buffet sense of 'take what you like, leave the rest behind', just wasn't my bag. A word that had been so meaningful to me was transformed to a word that I found no place for in my life anymore. And yet, these days, I'm finding a renewed sense of attachment to the word that has nothing to do with religion, and everything to do with relationships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, as I watch my kids finding themselves and their individual paths I'm realizing that all I can do is have faith. Faith in them. Faith in their hearts and their convictions, and faith in the relationships that we have with each of them. Oh boy, this faith may be more challenging, but definitely more rewarding, than anything I ever experienced with organized religion. </div><div><br /></div><div>Simply put, I have to have patience with the day-to-day world of parenting adolescents, and I can find that strength in my faith that these kids are becoming who they were meant to be. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><i>Title inspiration: "Paciencia y Fe" by Lin-Manuel Miranda from </i>In the Heights</b><br /> <br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lhg32IlbJmk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; border: medium none;" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-7468679863869449722021-05-31T22:24:00.001-04:002021-05-31T22:24:47.946-04:00And think of the summers of the past<div>Every year, whether it was back in Maryland or here in Ohio, summer seems to sneak up on me. Spring's arrival pops in and out like a game of peek-a-boo, and by the time I feel secure in thinking winter is finally in the rearview, the temperatures fluctuate like teenage hormones and boom, it's in the 80s. Suddenly, summer swells. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though the temps may rise, I can't call it summer until school is out for the kids. Here, that comes a couple weeks earlier than we used to be accustomed to, and we've been able to relax over Memorial Day Weekend without thinking about a return to school on Tuesday. Summer can be officially called by the end of May.</div><div><br /></div><div>But when my thoughts go to summer during any other season, there's one aspect that comes to mind first, the official soundtrack to summer-- the sound of the cicadas. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbKuHWMM-6lXib6S3KGRzKTL4_S-cyXaz9NFXb44Dzj2heZIo9VWQxb-yQTdG4bNOQbodhmqrqro-XUUicTUhvc5alv1WLs3JEFt0qrd-tYbsJK3OShttn2ispI9Lt49dnfZ1/s1640/2015Cicada.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1640" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbKuHWMM-6lXib6S3KGRzKTL4_S-cyXaz9NFXb44Dzj2heZIo9VWQxb-yQTdG4bNOQbodhmqrqro-XUUicTUhvc5alv1WLs3JEFt0qrd-tYbsJK3OShttn2ispI9Lt49dnfZ1/w640-h334/2015Cicada.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Three stages of one annual cicada in our yard in Maryland, 2015.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The chorus of the annual cicadas may come later in the summer by the calendar, but to me, that sound confirms the true feel of the season. When we moved to Ohio in early July a couple years ago, I remember the first time I heard the cicadas, because I became immediately perplexed. The sound was more of an up-down-up-down buzz, where I was used to an up-up-Up-UP-DOWN-Down-down-down buzz. Little did I realize the number of different species of annual cicadas there are or that we had moved into a different species' range. After recording snippets of the new species, I was able to find someone online who could identify the new-to-me kind-- the <a href="https://songsofinsects.com/cicadas/scissor-grinder-cicada" target="_blank">Scissor Grinder Cicada</a>. The name makes total sense to me, and I don't think I'll ever forget it. I'm pretty sure that our (old) fair city rocked the <a href="http://songsofinsects.com/cicadas/linnes-cicada" rel="" target="_blank">Linne's Cicada</a> each summer, as that one sounds the most familiar to me. Man, the interwebs are everything this wannabe-entomologist could ever dream of.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, the annual cicadas may come every summer to sing their hearts out looking for some lovin', but they don't get the media coverage that certain other species do. I'm looking at you, <i>Magicicada septendecim</i>, especially the most popular of the periodical cicadas, Brood X.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I had even just one picture to put in here from my introduction to Brood X, but alas, I cannot find one, try as I may. Had we had smartphones back in the day, I'd have a ton, but apparently I never thought to drag out the fancy digital camera during the month of May. Instead, you'll have to picture it, Prince George's County, Maryland, 2004. JAM was to turn four later that summer, and he was <i>fascinated</i> by the arrival of the Brood X cicadas. Each day, he and I would sit at the bus stop across the street from our teeny-tiny-townhouse, and he would worry about the cicadas that decided to play their buggy games in the middle of the street. It quickly became my routine responsibility to go into the street and gather up as many cicadas as I could and sweep them over to the grassy areas away from traffic. JAM was happy to watch the cicadas crawl around on the ground and up the tree trunks, but that joy could immediately turn into panic if one (or more!) decided to fly at him. When we're talking about periodical cicada emergences, we're talking about WAY MORE cicadas than most people can even fathom, so it's inevitable that if you're near a tree, you're going to have some clumsy cicadas fly into your body and land on your person. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, the memories that now 20-year-old JAM has are happy ones. I tried, in vain, to find the University of Maryland Entomology Department's cicada t-shirt that he wore the hell out of that summer, but apparently my sentimental self somehow didn't pack it away in one of the memory boxes. Even without any tangible items to show for our experiences 17 years ago, Brood X has always held a special place in my memories. It was ridiculously unbelievable to say to little preschooler JAM that he'd be a <i>grown-up</i> when they came back again. It's an impossible task to look at your three-year-old and envision them as an adult. </div><div><br /></div><div>And yet, here we are. Seventeen years have passed since I was the Official Rescuer of Wayward Brood X Cicadas as we awaited our morning bus, and we're no longer calling PG County our home. In fact, our timing was off by only two months when we came to Southeast Ohio five years ago, for we just missed the emergence of Brood V, another 17-year periodical cicada! </div><div><br /></div><div>With the pandemic still upon us, we didn't make plans to return to Maryland to see the children of our 2004 pals, so I've been living vicariously through the photos posted by friends, either in wonderment or disgust, and trying to be thankful that I had at least those to enjoy. But one thing that I learned about Brood X is that they're not isolated to the East Coast. In fact, some of them even call our own state of Ohio their home, albeit more than two hours west of ours. </div><div><br /></div><div>But when you're lucky enough to have friends who are either just as interested in all things bug or are willing to at least go along for the ride, you figure out a way to see the cicadas. The most important factor is a partner who is happy to indulge your interest, even if it means he has to drive five-ish hours in one day. It needs to be noted that said partner is-- in no way-- into bugs at all, so this represents true love. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today was the day to hop in our cars and head west in search of Brood X. We met at Caesar Creek State Park, and while we had a morning of gorgeous weather, a lovely walk in the woods, and a relaxing picnic lunch at the marina, what we did not have were any cicadas. Apparently, we didn't go far enough west. Looking at these photos, it's clear that it was hard to be completely disappointed.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mnCFF-st5ZBCthGOtZSPAllA18fb1QXQIDF2D29rHL6d_oeaEJ_O_4PJXxvA8_cLFXngx9E8QD48AyFsmZsbxcs3nzHN0TmdeZ_liWDHy9b9W722OUiFIwrxTlWOHhxxg2ot/s937/20210531_105515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="711" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mnCFF-st5ZBCthGOtZSPAllA18fb1QXQIDF2D29rHL6d_oeaEJ_O_4PJXxvA8_cLFXngx9E8QD48AyFsmZsbxcs3nzHN0TmdeZ_liWDHy9b9W722OUiFIwrxTlWOHhxxg2ot/w486-h640/20210531_105515.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Utterly gorgeous day.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgzzSP_WyYcw4wnHoQ94qO-8ThyXO9cw3wCNtXgJzij5b6Ht6bXbzGUCj020DADnfU0D-a__SzEJD9y7ssW9PJISCKeCnA8xRDolUqT0E3L0OAnKyALrZf6OcUtzWdbh2YiGT/s867/20210531_110532.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="659" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgzzSP_WyYcw4wnHoQ94qO-8ThyXO9cw3wCNtXgJzij5b6Ht6bXbzGUCj020DADnfU0D-a__SzEJD9y7ssW9PJISCKeCnA8xRDolUqT0E3L0OAnKyALrZf6OcUtzWdbh2YiGT/w486-h640/20210531_110532.png" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stone skipping worthy of celebration.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsq0cUGO8UBjO6j5qxUOU8k7XbLEwigt1S7UDkYnjvSJQkJw9il1FNd3MZO9yP726NVoFoikOf_eC-DsSzdCDngsHzIpMGUojfMV2Kca12EhqgmVqQ8lXKkQFNXTBvKwFQCww/s867/20210531_113022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="659" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsq0cUGO8UBjO6j5qxUOU8k7XbLEwigt1S7UDkYnjvSJQkJw9il1FNd3MZO9yP726NVoFoikOf_eC-DsSzdCDngsHzIpMGUojfMV2Kca12EhqgmVqQ8lXKkQFNXTBvKwFQCww/w486-h640/20210531_113022.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Is it just me, or is this a toilet tree?</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />While we ate lunch, I took a peek at the <i><a href="https://cicadasafari.org/" target="_blank">Cicada Safari</a> </i>app, just to see how much farther we'd have to travel to get to a place where there were documented sightings of Brood X. Twelve miles was the answer. TWELVE MILES. Okay, that twelve miles meant about a half hour in the car in not-exactly-the-right direction, but our trio was up for it. Spying a cicada was clearly important to JAM, too, since he'd come on this trip fresh off an 8-hour overnight shift of work, instead of going home and going to bed before working another overnight shift! We parted ways with our pals and headed to a community park in the area of the posted sightings. <div><br /></div><div>The whole drive there, my mind raced with worried thoughts. <i>What if we get there and see no cicadas? What if I read the map wrong? What if it's a bust and I've added even more time on a long day trip? </i>Anxious anticipation was in full gear. I tried to look at tree trunks we passed in search of hanging cicada molts, but unfortunately, my 45-year-old eyes couldn't process that from a moving vehicle. Instead, I worried for a full thirty minutes until we parked and I opened the passenger door.</div><div><br /></div><div>There it was. The sound of summer. Times a billion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Immediately, we all knew that we'd hit the jackpot, and to drive the point home, as soon as JAM exited the car, a cicada flew right at him. Talk about a flashback moment! I didn't have to talk him down this time, 17 years later, but we did crack the hell up at the timing. My first observation of this iteration of Brood X was of the three cicadas on the blacktop of the parking lot, and just like I did all those years ago, I swooped up the alive one and moved them over to a tree. Damn, history repeating itself all over the place.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9sE1GbLcGs6sPhcL58pflOKFyc6pI_Ed6YtcQWIQwgrrp7UtiBFrR4pyiI1hNZPCa4h2Vy6ZZ0uNplkhYzSXDLVcN0Xwrh91EhKUP11IHvx5cWIbADsHPYobkGIKFwaXmiLV/s867/20210531_135100.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="659" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9sE1GbLcGs6sPhcL58pflOKFyc6pI_Ed6YtcQWIQwgrrp7UtiBFrR4pyiI1hNZPCa4h2Vy6ZZ0uNplkhYzSXDLVcN0Xwrh91EhKUP11IHvx5cWIbADsHPYobkGIKFwaXmiLV/w486-h640/20210531_135100.png" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My first cicada friend of 2021.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Then we walked to a grassy area with trees and we were engulfed in the sights and sounds that the periodical cicadas bring. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZcmWV_xNwxHB6-kcus1_nreEDik_MVhxNg6qFvqJOQLzE0e6W7rDaiVKnt5lCENgXOfEH5zOjdoCUdcEpciBA6T1oY3J0L_2Hh3K3SENepWKDWSLAbMAq51mfyyXYle1H0jh/s375/Screenshot_20210531-175805_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="375" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZcmWV_xNwxHB6-kcus1_nreEDik_MVhxNg6qFvqJOQLzE0e6W7rDaiVKnt5lCENgXOfEH5zOjdoCUdcEpciBA6T1oY3J0L_2Hh3K3SENepWKDWSLAbMAq51mfyyXYle1H0jh/w400-h379/Screenshot_20210531-175805_Facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I couldn't hide my joy. I was fucking giddy. Hubby documented this with video that will stay locked up in the cloud, there for me to revisit when I need a reminder of pure wonder. We walked along the grass, some of us more carefully choosing our steps than others, as the ground was awash with cicadas. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H6gqoZQ2dbhR-YxE5RoZ1m3Tgk0A5HLUDvAV841a7w3P4Vk6f5fxzwxkf1mWwHykrwPaVW82Rci4WUlu5RivcF9c31fTLAyGY-seytk-j_DPk1XbVV0QEp5IVnwp_C3aZ1RP/s2048/20210531_142815.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1159" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H6gqoZQ2dbhR-YxE5RoZ1m3Tgk0A5HLUDvAV841a7w3P4Vk6f5fxzwxkf1mWwHykrwPaVW82Rci4WUlu5RivcF9c31fTLAyGY-seytk-j_DPk1XbVV0QEp5IVnwp_C3aZ1RP/w362-h640/20210531_142815.png" width="362" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My baby-turned-man making sure to not step on any alive cicadas!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The cicadas were everywhere. Their songs filled our ears, louder than the lawn mower not too far away, and putting up a stiff competition for the airplane that flew overhead. Hubby found it funny to lightly shake a branch that I was standing under and watch as tons of cicadas took flight all around me. Even though I squealed in surprise, I remained giddy AF. Unlike 17 years ago, this time I took a ton of photos, especially knowing 2021 was going to be a one-and-done encounter. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM21lxOpA0OOgoKTewD7hH9D7zbz88AUyz1JO_Yqiuk2UXEmyfueEqQtKZXGR4vyJLdca42Cvgt5UeX0_2Y3FaVIQOO9aw0CKqIBnTKgjQGbnSzJh6vwp4_leHNqXU5wSuj-_/s867/20210531_142201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="659" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM21lxOpA0OOgoKTewD7hH9D7zbz88AUyz1JO_Yqiuk2UXEmyfueEqQtKZXGR4vyJLdca42Cvgt5UeX0_2Y3FaVIQOO9aw0CKqIBnTKgjQGbnSzJh6vwp4_leHNqXU5wSuj-_/w486-h640/20210531_142201.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So. Many. Cicadas.</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfF_HdchCveC1ojwTK2XdgCLCojOLmgoN2e32mtKHyOApvD_pehYDm4eN7fft1hR3Dm84AdJfpjKyHe52ZmhHts42QX14VvbeGsstsueSJuhBEidfo59yAjloo6lMqNA5NmZv/s2048/20210531_135352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1159" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfF_HdchCveC1ojwTK2XdgCLCojOLmgoN2e32mtKHyOApvD_pehYDm4eN7fft1hR3Dm84AdJfpjKyHe52ZmhHts42QX14VvbeGsstsueSJuhBEidfo59yAjloo6lMqNA5NmZv/w362-h640/20210531_135352.jpg" width="362" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>G I D D Y .</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dVhdSGNHbbGfMdchhhu15T71_5ZjZRasj_qa_c5LRXKZnai34nb8kpqgDcGH_E-nYVjPK1ed0f_0cymEUSvcXSqolRQ7JElIDi1pOvWjZhPiQxyCf6S-m3zn9lk9P6uiXm3v/s867/20210531_142622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="659" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dVhdSGNHbbGfMdchhhu15T71_5ZjZRasj_qa_c5LRXKZnai34nb8kpqgDcGH_E-nYVjPK1ed0f_0cymEUSvcXSqolRQ7JElIDi1pOvWjZhPiQxyCf6S-m3zn9lk9P6uiXm3v/w486-h640/20210531_142622.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aren't they just gorgeous??</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aTrLaa3xzzkD6kVrbMnQHwKDIfB2K4cFbZJBqwMAE1YzpO7oZlwFmMKNADroOpaDdS_Nv_sPZy9V17V5aQKFhJbl2fv2wwuFWp06GmWk_dWI3tzxBsOWlLLYdhSTciBR7Taz/s867/20210531_135707.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="659" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aTrLaa3xzzkD6kVrbMnQHwKDIfB2K4cFbZJBqwMAE1YzpO7oZlwFmMKNADroOpaDdS_Nv_sPZy9V17V5aQKFhJbl2fv2wwuFWp06GmWk_dWI3tzxBsOWlLLYdhSTciBR7Taz/w486-h640/20210531_135707.png" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hubby being a landing site.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We walked around a little pond at this park, with frequent stops to get close-up views of individuals and groups of cicadas, of course. I handled quite a few, telling as many as I could that I knew their east coast ancestors. Thankfully, the park was pretty empty, so there were few witnesses to my atypical adult behavior, but it didn't matter because I only had eyes-- and ears-- for the cicadas. To be able to experience this with JAM was priceless, the memory I couldn't even imagine making 17 years ago as I walked onto our road, again and again, to relocate those wayward cicadas. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7Reu9o6Zwbsq4Jgo0vsoOaTp7zqMZrUg9izIY4tFozdQBAA3xAjsL7hRPoNEoZ99DNFcrgU-fGFWZrvdc3b65Tp7KgUsUYPhYr8CbIfKw9MtZ2vhbDRYMBvyc4dORGyHA5Op/s2048/20210531_140838.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7Reu9o6Zwbsq4Jgo0vsoOaTp7zqMZrUg9izIY4tFozdQBAA3xAjsL7hRPoNEoZ99DNFcrgU-fGFWZrvdc3b65Tp7KgUsUYPhYr8CbIfKw9MtZ2vhbDRYMBvyc4dORGyHA5Op/w534-h640/20210531_140838.png" width="534" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The height differential used to be quite different...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I can't help but wonder where we'll all be in 2038. Even saying the year 2038 sounds absurd-- that's going to be a year? Back when JAM was wearing size 5T clothes, the year 2021 sounded ridiculous, too. Wherever life may take us, I do hope that JAM and I will get the chance to see the next round of Brood X together. Hubby and the other kids are welcome, too, though I know that no one else loves it as much as us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until we meet again, you magical cicadas...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwF4-aAYqG5XLzswD-Fvu0OOTDtEu2UhWyraL9bKbs_b-W5h6XWQ0d5kq6TwHEYCVQ0LhVZ4b9zbJU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /> <b><i>Title inspiration: "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kr0tTbTbmVA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-91608720104232510622021-02-06T14:49:00.025-05:002021-11-24T10:16:30.945-05:00book reviews 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijD73xLCxXWbNtMcTYYpXzgnFxPimKa6VdcSJW5DQidnT7IsWhDvE4Kvx2mpf4BGYhxy0yTKOKYdrheZLrYgc58dcS8wNX6J_-BBLkSClgn5RZ6iCC4heuwpMYB_Ep5kAPSivD/s2048/alif-caesar-rizqi-pratama-loUlSOXL81c-unsplash+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijD73xLCxXWbNtMcTYYpXzgnFxPimKa6VdcSJW5DQidnT7IsWhDvE4Kvx2mpf4BGYhxy0yTKOKYdrheZLrYgc58dcS8wNX6J_-BBLkSClgn5RZ6iCC4heuwpMYB_Ep5kAPSivD/w400-h400/alif-caesar-rizqi-pratama-loUlSOXL81c-unsplash+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Well, the last year or so has been challenging on the reading front. Why? I'm not sure that the logic works, but it's the reality. It's been a year of isolation and a nothing-but-time-at-home situation 24/7 situation, so one would think that I'd be doing nothing but reading. Unfortunately, my ability to concentrate has been on a roller coaster ride, with more time spent zoned out in front of a screen than consuming words on a page. <br /><br />But, like most things, it ebbs and flows, so even if I make no reading goal for the year or participate in a total of zero reading challenges, I know I'll still spend some amount of time with good books over the next year. I'm not going to compare these covid years with any time in my documented reading history, so we'll simply have to see how it goes.<br /><br />While I'm not ready to hold myself to any previous standards or expectations, it is habit to note all the previous years I've been keeping track of my reading. This is now my 14th year in this journey, as I started way back in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2008/01/book-reviews.html" target="_blank">2008</a>, and have kept it going through <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2009/01/book-reviews-2009.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2010/01/book-reviews-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2011/01/book-reviews-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2012/01/book-reviews-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2013/01/book-reviews-2013.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2014/01/book-reviews-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2015/01/book-reviews-2015.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2016/01/book-reviews-2016.html">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2017/01/book-reviews-2017.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2018/01/book-reviews-2018.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/01/book-reviews-2019.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2020/01/book-reviews-2020.html" target="_blank">2020</a>.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Concrete-Rose-Angie-Thomas/dp/006284671X?keywords=concrete+rose&qid=1637766868&qsid=137-1798038-6224837&sr=8-1&sres=006284671X%2CB0872JDRS6%2CB08VCLSPPF%2C0671028456%2CB09LTY2N3C%2C0063162075%2C0374313296%2C1482510308%2C1496718674%2CB0092G9ZUE%2CB079YCK5JT%2CB0783QX7HY%2C1101939524%2C0545285925%2C133514580X%2CB084DHD5X6&srpt=ABIS_BOOK&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=0933965db14ab64afcc3cf3200044d66&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=006284671X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=006284671X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>20. 11/24/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/30ZxGHF" target="_blank">Concrete Rose</a> </i>by Angie Thomas</div>Maverick Carter was such a compelling side character in THE HATE U GIVE that even though Angie Thomas wasn't planning on writing his story, fan requests changed her mind. And I'm glad all those young people spoke up, because seeing it gave more context to Starr's. Maverick's full humanity is explored as a Black teen who becomes a father at a young age while trying to find his place in his community, and it's a heartfelt read.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Days-Mad-House-Experience-Blackwells/dp/B08W7SQHT9?crid=20R9NE87LSPOE&keywords=10+days+in+a+madhouse+by+nellie+bly&qid=1637636444&qsid=137-1798038-6224837&sprefix=10+days+in+a+mad%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-3&sres=B08W7SQHT9%2C1977939333%2C1796840181%2C1519649266%2CB00EMJKI48%2C1434121658%2CB00E3J0L6M%2CB09L4NYXXX%2CB08HWY896G%2CB09983MJB4%2CB09K218DX6%2C1511738227%2C1980624976%2C1519290101%2CB09FC8CB3S%2CB096ZPG72P&srpt=ABIS_BOOK&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ae3d1f0d732e9ac1ee2064490a8a0774&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08W7SQHT9&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B08W7SQHT9" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>19. 11/22/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3CFpzg5" target="_blank">Ten Days in a Madhouse</a> </i>by Nellie Bly</div>Last month, I was motivated to finally seek out this 1887 investigative piece about the treatment of female patients in an 'insane asylum' that I had some basic knowledge about, but I couldn't bring myself to pick it up for a couple weeks because I was hesitant to read the details. While reading this through my 21st century perspective caused me to judge Nellie Bly's unchecked biases and lack of critical questioning of the societal forces that led to the women's captivity, I am still thankful that she had the strength to go undercover. My family history of mental illness makes me selfishly grateful for living in a time with psychiatric medicine and an understanding of its need as treatment. I hope there are more advances to come for those who come after me, and my heart mourns all who suffered before me.<div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Class-Act-Jerry-Craft/dp/0062885502?keywords=class+act&qid=1637462240&qsid=137-1798038-6224837&sr=8-1&sres=0062885502%2CB0091WCJP2%2CB08MYF23BR%2CB092R5CDTT%2C0979642442%2CB08P29VTQX%2C0520247825%2C0752860682%2C0451534271%2CB003NH6FY2%2CB0967R7871%2CB089LQNMY5%2CB099DCYJCN%2C0063117576%2CB001GY0FE0%2C0062691198&srpt=DOWNLOADABLE_MOVIE&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=b072931706484989e5c7ab133e4aa2d6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062885502&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0062885502" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>18. 11/20/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Z73Rnw" target="_blank">Class Act</a> </i>by Jerry Craft</div><div>I read Craft's NEW KID back in 2019, and I was going to read this follow-up earlier this year, but I opted to save it to read around the time that Jerry Craft was going to do three virtual visits in our community. (I love my job!) I was impressed by the continued realistic voices of the adolescent characters, and I appreciate the perspectives of the kids from a variety of different backgrounds and family lives. There is a great emphasis on the characters having their assumptions and biases about their peers checked. With Craft now working on the third, and likely final, book in the series I'm looking forward to having at least one more round with Drew, Jordan, and Liam.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Book-Novel-Jason-Mott/dp/059333096X?dchild=1&keywords=hell+of+a+book&qid=1632189269&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=e64bde6048448a21f43a02525819836f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=059333096X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=059333096X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>17. 9/20/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3EAAMkm" target="_blank">Hell of a Book</a> </i>by Jason Mott</div><div>There is a magic to this book that is disorienting and confusing... until it isn't. Until the blurriness and overlapping of characters and storylines begin to make sense. Then the brilliance becomes apparent, and with that clarity comes the pain. This novel is pure emotion and I know that as a white woman, I can't even understand the full depth of it. Still, I was moved to feel and to think, and even more than with Mott's other novels which I deeply enjoyed, I was left in awe at this incredible author's skill.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Youll-Never-Believe-Happened-Lacey/dp/1538719363?crid=259PYL4F59XEG&dchild=1&keywords=you%27ll+never+believe+what+happened+to+lacey&qid=1629760130&sprefix=you%27ll+never+b%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=b340a3f22f805abe3785691378221e7d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1538719363&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1538719363" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">16. 8/23/21</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3mo2MRD" target="_blank">You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey:Crazy Stories About Racism</a> </i>by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar</div><div>I wish I could say that I wasn't surprised by some of the stories of what was said to Lacey or how she was treated, but I'm a white woman in a world of white supremacy. Even if I know how racism can manifest, it's never happened to me directly and so it was jarring AF to read of these disgusting experiences. I'm a huge Amber Ruffin fan, and I appreciated her familiar 'voice' in the writing, as she and her sister Lacey Lamar tried to laugh at the ridiculousness of the experiences as a whole, while still emphasizing the serious fuckedupness of it all.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Z-S-K-Ali/dp/1534442731?crid=2LEZ45II1R0L8&dchild=1&keywords=love+from+a+to+z+s+k+ali&qid=1623684526&sprefix=love+from+a+to+%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=a00de6df7f5117b37f51defc623078a5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1534442731&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1534442731" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>15. 6/13/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gunTgt" target="_blank">Love from A to Z</a> </i>by S. K. Ali</div>This YA novel has a lot going on - - teenage romance is at the heart of it, but there's a depth to the development of that romance that's based in the protagonists' Muslim faith. They each have specific struggles they're trying to work through, as well, that are more serious than the average romance. The effects of Islamophobia are explored through a teen's eyes, and her passion and anger are palpable and relatable. I was taken with this one, and I'd recommend it to teens who usually don't go for the romance genre.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Endings-Novel-Thien-Kim-Lam/dp/0063040840?dchild=1&keywords=happy+endings&qid=1622637694&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=de72eab34427c0d40d49fb74346033ae&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0063040840&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0063040840" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>14. 6/1/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ceN1q2" target="_blank">Happy Endings</a> </i>by Thien-Kim Lam<br /><div>I can't say that I've read very many romance novels since my obsession with 'bodice rippers' when I was a teen. *Ahem.* This, however, was definitely a modern tale of a relationship, and no bodices were harmed in the telling. Now, that's not to say that there weren't any spicy scenes, because the heat absolutely rises and the characters' passionate experiences are described in detail! But what I appreciated the most was the diverse representation of cultures and communities and the authentic voices of the characters. I'd be interested in a follow up that features some of this book's secondary characters in the spotlight! Full disclosure, I do know the author, and I'm thrilled for her debut!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Periodical-Cicadas-Brood-Black-White/dp/0867271736?crid=ARZB03W5V1KW&dchild=1&keywords=periodical+cicadas+the+brood+x+edition&qid=1622515299&sprefix=periodical+cicadas%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ee5a5770c85521b8cfc157a93ea243ab&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0867271736&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0867271736" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>13. 5/31/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3uCPxwW" target="_blank">Periodical Cicadas: The Brood X Edition</a> </i>by Gene Kritsky</div>I read these 100ish pages in the car en route to what would hopefully be a Brood X adventure, and while it was cool to confirm that I knew a bit about the periodical cicadas that I first experienced in Maryland in 2004, it was also awesome to learn even more. I especially enjoyed the historical records of cicada emergences and the ways in which people described them. Timely read for my MD buddies, if anyone's interested!<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Office-Historical-Corrections-Novella-Stories-ebook/dp/B084V823SR?keywords=office+of+historical+corrections&qid=1621966799&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=34cdeb86b928a6dfcff249ba4f410f11&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B084V823SR&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B084V823SR" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>12. 5/24/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3vo4OTj" target="_blank">The Office of Historical Corrections</a> </i>by Danielle Evans<br />Danielle Evans' talent is beyond belief. Her characters are vivid and come to life immediately. This collection of incredible short stories address race, class, and relationships, and in Evans' very capable hands the nuance and detail are doled out in perfect amounts. The collection is capped off with a Novella with a premise that I truly want to see become a reality, and it inspired the title of the book itself. Highly recommend.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Patient-Alex-Michaelides/dp/1250301696?dchild=1&keywords=the+silent+patient&qid=1618440820&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=8f2b32cb1a39670e671eb9cc416ababb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1250301696&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><br /></div><div>11. 4/14/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gcURUa" target="_blank">The Silent Patient</a> </i>by Alex Michaelides</div>Well, that was something. Not sure I would have picked this up on my own, but as a book club selection, I dove right in and found myself intrigued immediately. I can't say that I had the mystery all the way figured out, but I had some hunches. A quick read, this was a lovely little distraction.</div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-One-Painfully-Stories-Reluctant/dp/1538701510?dchild=1&keywords=the+new+one&qid=1618232602&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=7656b0512e2aa00f1fab4840eaf303ad&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1538701510&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div>10. 4/10/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3dfnXAt" target="_blank">The New One: Painfully True Stories from a Reluctant Dad</a> </i>by Mike Birbiglia</div>Becoming a parent is wildly misrepresented in pop culture, whitewashed and polished up to look magical in a way that isn't quite realistic. Somehow, Mike Birbiglia found a way to show its true magic, all the dirt and dark and wonder and fear and worry-filled-joy in this collection of essays, punctuated with poems by his wife J. Hope Stein (Clo, for MB fans). I loved every single bit of this book, and even though I am 13-20 years removed from my times as the parent of a newborn, every note rang true and memorable. Highly recommend.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Us-Next-Sequel-Lying/dp/0525707964?dchild=1&keywords=one+of+us+is+next&qid=1615675695&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=620c71260f606e2e5ab74e9d712ba9d7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0525707964&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0525707964" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>9. 3/1/3/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3lcBATf" target="_blank">One of Us is Next</a> </i>by Karen M. McManus</div>I read the first book a couple years ago and I remembered really enjoying it as I sped through it. Today I got the sequel on my Kindle from the library and spent the next couple of hours completely engrossed. I could have slowed down a bit more and it probably would have helped with my occasional character confusion, but I just couldn't help myself. I had quite a bit of it figured out before the big reveal was presented, but then I was slapped with shock as something else came to light at the very, very end that I didn't see coming at all. Well done, McManus.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/House-Mango-Street-Sandra-Cisneros/dp/0679734775?crid=32523S1OLXMZH&dchild=1&keywords=the+house+on+mango+street&qid=1615487827&sprefix=the+house+on+mango%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=7db58dd539c58c0267b693f3dc962057&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0679734775&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0679734775" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>8. 3/10/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3viAhqg" target="_blank">The House on Mango Street</a> </i>by Sandra Cisneros</div>How had I never read this before today? I'm glad to have corrected this oversight, as this was a beauty. Cisneros creates her characters quickly and concisely, colorfully and vibrantly. Totally masterfully. Her vignettes may be very short stories, but they're like small sections of one larger picture, and all put together, an entire community is formed.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580056776?crid=3VEBIS7GTT0CZ&keywords=so+you+want+to+talk+about+race&qid=1615487628&sprefix=so+you+want%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=fe99de5c80603f88bd0ac514ecef465a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1580056776&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1580056776" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>7. 3/8/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3erAEZO" target="_blank">So You Want to Talk About Race</a> </i>by Ijeoma Oluo</div>
morninglightmama
7 for 2021
I believe I've underlined more in this book than any other before. Informative and encouraging, Ijeoma Oluo's book educates and pushes readers to action. I'm taking away many, many opportunities for self-reflection and a greater sense of urgency to be aware of my own biases and be more thoughtful about my actions. In discussions about this book in a work-based book club, I hope we can get into action-oriented conversations specific to our community.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maybe-Another-Life-Taylor-Jenkins/dp/1476776881?dchild=1&keywords=maybe+in+another+life&qid=1615487412&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=71fa36863e58d7e19bb43b7c39da3c43&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1476776881&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1476776881" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>6. 3/8/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3bDg0E5" target="_blank">Maybe in Another Life</a> </i>by Taylor Jenkins Reid<br />I picked this book up from the counter of the campground laundry room because the dryer had only 11 minutes left on it and I didn't have my phone on me. It was cheesy from the beginning, but not so much as to dissuade me from continuing. It was entertaining enough in its exploration of what could happen to the protagonist if she makes one decision two different ways. Alternating chapters tell the stories of these two different paths, questioning the concept of fate. I kept thinking of the Tim Minchin song "If I Didn't Have You," and enjoying the idea of infinite universes with infinitely different lives.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Want-Where-Normal-People-Are/dp/1538745356?dchild=1&keywords=I+Want+to+Be+Where+the+Normal+People+Are&qid=1615487304&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=b5e3f4e3df7718ebb03bbdc1acec289e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1538745356&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div></div><div>5. 3/3/21</div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3qCEXUB" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1538745356" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></a><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3qCEXUB" target="_blank">I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are</a> </i>by Rachel Bloom</div>Going for some long rides? This is the book for you! You'll absolutely forget how monotonous and relentless 8 hours as a vehicle passenger can be, and you'll stop focusing on how anxious you get from long car rides because you'll be knee-deep in Rachel Bloom's anxiety and more! I was already a fan of CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, and now I'm a fan of Bloom's, specifically. She doesn't hold back in this series of comedic essays/painful memoir vignettes, and it's reassuring to me that there are other people out there who think and talk like she (and I!) do.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Circe-Madeline-Miller/dp/0316556327?dchild=1&keywords=circe&qid=1614542833&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=3fddab355763ddcc54c67cd72d6be795&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316556327&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0316556327" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. 2/28/21</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3kwWsEd" target="_blank">Circe</a> </i>by Madeline Miller</div>I had heard all the hype about this one when it came out, and I figured I'd read it eventually, but I wasn't in a rush. Then it was announced as my book club's selection, so I started it with neutral expectations, because I wouldn't necessarily say I'm into mythology. But, as it often goes, I ended up being really taken with this novel! Circe the character is intriguing and multifaceted, and her perspective kept me reading for long stretches. I Googled other characters incessantly as I read, and I was impressed with how the author wove in their stories and expanded their personalities. Also, Odysseus was a douche.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Thickest-Essays-Michelle-Buteau/dp/1982122587?crid=1OMQ7SCP4KGD6&dchild=1&keywords=survival+of+the+thickest+michelle+buteau&qid=1613959542&s=books&sprefix=survival+of+the+thic%2Caps%2C192&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=5e96e0111c4481ce791f5638021cbc03&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1982122587&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1982122587" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>3. 2/20/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3k87IXH" target="_blank">Survival of the Thickest</a> </i>by Michelle Buteau</div>
I needed a light read to remind myself that I actually do enjoy reading, and Michelle Buteau did not disappoint. I adore her stand-up, and her comedic essays are written in the same voice. I could hear her in my head. The content is funny AF, but she has been through the wringer, too, and she doesn't hold back in sharing her pain.<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Before-Ever-After-Jacqueline-Woodson/dp/0399545433?crid=24GRKZTS8LMPU&dchild=1&keywords=jacqueline+woodson+before+the+ever+after&qid=1612841587&sprefix=jacqueline+woodson+%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=61b4e4376d513d9a66255bc000c1ddc9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399545433&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0399545433" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>2. 2/8/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/36VbRbM" target="_blank">Before the Ever After</a> </i>by Jacqueline Woodson</div>Oh, Jacqueline Woodson, you are a master shaper of words. This short novel in verse is evocative and lovely, a celebration of family and the bonds between parent and child. The young protagonist is a boy who is open with his feelings and who has a core group of friends who all have his back as he watches his pro-football player father struggle with what we now know as CTE. There is pain, and there is beauty. Woodson writes of life with all of this in mind.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Thousand-Doors-January/dp/0316421979?crid=DH9PZNMM6I7M&dchild=1&keywords=the+thousand+doors+of+january&qid=1612640785&sprefix=The+Thousand+Doors+of+January+%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=2a49f870f401486edb0a0704e0cfa158&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316421979&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0316421979" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>1. 2/4/21</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3jmeAjK" target="_blank">The Thousand Doors of January</a></i> by Alix E. Harrow</div><div>I finished this a few days ago, but like most things lately, it's taken me longer than usual to post. This was a gentle fantasy that was confusing at first, but mostly because I read it in fits and starts, which I don't recommend. There's a book within the book, and the narratives were hard for me to get back into after a few days away. (It's been hard to concentrate, can you tell?!) But once I was able to stick with it, I quite liked the adventure and it was a fun escape.
</div> <div><br /></div><br /> Happy reading,<br />
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-67543065139621254602021-01-02T22:09:00.070-05:002021-12-31T22:34:52.402-05:00viewing reviews 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B2f0RbpLyYGbv-U_8kDz6XBMP6H_lEgS9zv-6IPGD2etyJkgCG6GZrmCs66pYJPt2k35Ve_WqD9m1pR9INXglkedJ97gsjNmMGskU5c63bGMfVhPGFMdZtL_fdf_wyHjEmsO/s2048/2021_movies.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B2f0RbpLyYGbv-U_8kDz6XBMP6H_lEgS9zv-6IPGD2etyJkgCG6GZrmCs66pYJPt2k35Ve_WqD9m1pR9INXglkedJ97gsjNmMGskU5c63bGMfVhPGFMdZtL_fdf_wyHjEmsO/s320/2021_movies.png" /></a></div><br />How would one live without a list? Well, I certainly wouldn't remember a damn thing without them, so here's to another year of keeping track of all the wonderful <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and sometimes not-so-great)</span> things I watch, so that sometime in the future, I can come back to check when I wonder, <i>"Did I already see this?!" </i><br />
<br />This all started way back in the year <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2009/01/movie-reviews-2009.html" target="_blank">2009</a> and continued through <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2010/01/movie-reviews-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2011/01/movie-reviews-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2012/01/movie-reviews-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2013/01/movie-reviews-2013.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2014/01/movie-reviews-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2015/01/movie-reviews-2015.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2016/01/movie-reviews-2016.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2017/01/movie-reviews-2017.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2018/01/movie-reviews-2018.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, and for <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/01/viewing-reviews-2019.html" target="_blank">2019</a> and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2020/01/viewing-reviews-2020.html" target="_blank">2020</a>, series got added along with live performances <span style="font-size: x-small;">(remember when we were able to see those?)</span>. I imagine that much of 2021 will continue to see us spending a whole lot of time at home, and what better to do than watch magic on the screen? <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_to_2021" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfZygouvcdRaC0CDJ6D4EXFDr7z3pPeQoEalVmN7Jj1cOYMr91-XCnmFMbBemQ0ZvXpcQU8h_pnXDGLqkRnia0l8FacRRrXEKTbcaeoJ7FcAB_4tOQyls25XzX8G0WLMQX268wIAKBbJ5PoplJczQxOlGNxZgJJLXAqPXuC9_6NNnVq7nCpw=s320" width="256" /></a></div><div>83. 12/31/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_to_2021" target="_blank">Death to 2021</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Okay, today was a big hit of entertainment, because this satirical mockumentary slayed us, as well. There are so many perfect one-liners here, some that we guffawed at super loudly and others that received unanimous groans. Goddamn, 2021 was one shitshow after another. I guess all we can do is laugh, right? Right? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(And props to the 15-year-old who recognized Nate (not the great!) from <i>Ted Lasso</i> as the unseen interviewer!)</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15660422/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-sJmNnmASVO4EoGgVdLAYUwLdEz4Taxxxj62o2Krb6si3ecxYlJkfYYnwQFQYXHitsQWEoe5AaxM9ARZEr7ZNIEYgkD1KjShLQXCInhche-qGbKIcEQ3IR0rkmY1bdI97C4LGfW25cKpTnhpYWsabrcG1PD3JBafdXxf2Tr0g__SmnMh-hg=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>82. 12/31/21</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15660422/" target="_blank">Yearly Departed</a> (2021)</i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Loved it. Happy to see familiar faces and meet new ones-- I'm happy to see you now, X Mayo, who fucking killed it on the dais. A solid runner-up award to Aparna Nancherla, who remains one of my favorite stand-up comedians ever. This one gave all of us some big laughs, but maybe the most coming from me and the 15-year-old. I loved watching an all-female comedy fest that fucking rocked. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosencrantz_%26_Guildenstern_Are_Dead_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZCh02hpWWf52dUrCumqO5FT89N0I4_MuRCeq6MSInRSUwuljHMEibJB9KpzudSDw9V8ygiuDMp7roid-Yfpa4m-bwj3iAIv_d7JXm0SjYYQzQPWnLTN7A8zwOtWmgIgcqVWjpob0eM3xFtXTsVUuguD4g8jgBQOn5DV1Q2S4wjR1QkwCdeg=s320" width="226" /></a></div><div>81. 12/31/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosencrantz_%26_Guildenstern_Are_Dead_(film)" target="_blank">Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead</a></i></div><div>(DVD)<br /><div>A series that we started in 2021 but won't finish until 2022 is integrating the titular characters of what is arguably one of my favorite stories ever, and it sent me down a rabbit hole of trying, for once and all, to <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2021/12/and-heres-hand-my-trusty-friend.html" target="_blank">figure out what existentialism</a> actually means. On NYE, as I made dinner, I started this old DVD again and was reminded how much I adore the absurdity of these two. Not the most up-beat way to wrap up the year, but I loved spending time with Ros and Guil again.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Look_Up_(2021_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJoaJT9o9pBV1HghkrKPhBoH_ndQYL4r20VbqO_G3ituDCFq6Uf6-o0ZhIiiQ9agqJ2rKK3wKPLXkgaYxptSU59VjOb9G6sy4St27FGzxFnS6EkWRepKLUabZxNg-uZFhY-O0UPLxyVuhxtuRow8IzsPEQMuAEwwKIkiAWTq5PsVmMMUOnrg=s320" width="215" /></a></div><div>80. 12/29/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Look_Up_(2021_film)" target="_blank">Don't Look Up</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)<br /><div>Well, if I was a critic, apparently I'd have hated this flick, but I'm a just a simple movie watcher and I was entertained and even touched by many moments in this film. I know it was made with climate change in mind as the real issue in place of the comet, but then the pandemic hit and this shit got intensely realer. I'm okay with the simplistic portrayals of moronic humans, because I'm not convinced it was all that far off in reality. So, while it was depressing as all hell to watch during a pandemic, especially as heartbreaking as those final minutes of the film were, I'm glad to have seen this and giggled at the ridiculousness of it all while trying not to cry at the terror. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_Me_by_Your_Name_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirmQLWhCAH5V17YpVdvF0DiN48Ec-xVKSltKuJbcV14ERe2ReFGgfZg381zrPNP6wxy-lGsdCLrHuo33otlyTK8ylLjYvAa3Z_QU7GjQZgOPkPVfqibkLAH2GdMjOMau-4EVrlupk1oYwQMaheTTRws8AiN2zg5fKxT-wik8mU9ln37j7Dxg=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>79. 12/28/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_Me_by_Your_Name_(film)" target="_blank">Call Me By Your Name</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>I watched this at the 15-year-old's request, and we giggled a bit at its Artsy Filmness, even as we cried at its beauty. I'm surprised at the lack of issue taken with the age difference between the two main characters who develop a relationship (17 years old and 24 years old) by both the characters in the film and the general critical response of the film. I guess it was the 80s and European? <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Bird_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKrtEqbNr_A3hpt2NeZqVf7gQctQpiZ9N_yKX7b5YmV31wQiNyt2pEXOgDl8F8nlYm_ljcZp05MB78isutX12_ZgdODVkmkrXcgAXbaxqkwoNZBj_QhJN-GxXfkiJrTEi41VqdqsYUp-hX_f14J2_GX08mLuOpWOOoX-nWOqyMOcRjMBKxug=s320" width="224" /></a></div><div>78. 12/27/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Bird_(film)" target="_blank">Lady Bird</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>I saw this in the theater exactly four years earlier, with my oldest daughter only 11 years old. Watching it this time with my now 15-year-old daughter was a different experience. I still think this is a brilliant film in all aspects, and I believe it hit some solid notes for my teen, too. There were tears again this time around, and I'm sure that watching this again in two years or so will be an even more close-to-home experience. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Notice_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2222" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiqRTFpWW9sWvkV4IEZ9lWqjKi4F8Aaf68GcxSxATiszIJTTEQNav0I2j4adsG3VhIfzrRrfY2ig3CAZ4uwHGCCcRJfjlQod80Bc1NS2ZCzz6aceNIpIdfA-UACMKYQvVwAXSLG5uJ38Je-bwph9j99E5RLYEG2V0W6EclWb1bfsO43W2bHQ=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>77. 12/25/2021</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Notice_(film)" target="_blank">Red Notice</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)<br /><div>I didn't know if I should expect an action movie or comedy, but it's clear this was both, with a heavier lean on the comedy part. Oh, Ryan Reynolds and the power of the one-liner. This was ridiculous, in a good way, and I screamed more times than my family cared for, but dang with the close calls. This was one that both teens, the 21-year-old, and the parents watched all together, laughing the whole time. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh58l4YySJKgNP4na2f2RGtxCHCjA6QojQA8S3FFoxarwyVeE88GZJ866oI59qs_NyM2jNdagU3aI0JwTH9Q8-g1s9Wnu64cL_0HKw2Bi7vK47VpDxeb3zaAwGvTPPG5R2flzv9S3kRMNKW7tXJN_riUWGQAl2J34LfgJqN6AeqeW6cX1Kx9Q=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>76. 12/24/2021</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation" target="_blank">Christmas Vacation</a></i></div><div>(HBO Max)</div><div>Every. Year. From when I saw it in the theaters as a teenager and through every time since, I laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh. I got yelled at by a kid for reciting the lines early in this year's viewing, but I can't help myself. To traditions! <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Mouth_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtV7DkC4__oNnEg5EIfnpknYf86oWumnJfqJ4woYjMS_RPERHrhBEVcjmoaXsoMjspf0Di2vrbKFNXLTfBZl-68_AU-339rrz7-YjDAtlmHJGT1gaVmsAkEnFBQWsHShhmoR6j1mfQmncXzdvhptFK4DI92j1lnRCvnNfXcS6FGXnsXAve8w=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>75. 12/20/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Mouth_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Big Mouth</a></i></div><div>(Season 5, Netflix)</div><div>Well, this season was more of a disappointment than not. The holiday episode?? Jesus, I expect this show to be raunchy for raunchy's sake, but even I have a line, and that particular episode crossed it again and again. The clever bits of this season, like a real-life appearance of a certain creator, were overshadowed by the bits that fell flat and were played out, sadly.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_%26_Ted%27s_Excellent_Adventure" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXlyS4MxJ4IsY28p17HF4lbJ5biyHvgGggksG9yGUxkuMSTjF7lzGCqkPZbyWTEFqSExqeNYZAAG0seAeM9DLcrauOloXlSug-_9wUtKnUV7Kaxvi6S1LjgsVgLzKgqApyS-3D19NUGBtvdZWaFYySBVPk_KN-PEpsNmuRbb3G9SUtxFqciw=s320" width="213" /></a></div><div>74. 12/18/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_%26_Ted%27s_Excellent_Adventure" target="_blank">Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure</a></i></div><div>(DVD)</div><div>What can I say about an old fave from my own teenage years? Other than one super-offensive f-slur when the titular characters hug each other <span style="font-size: x-small;">(jesus, I hate how they put that in and it didn't even phase me as a teen)</span>, and a general objectification of women <span style="font-size: x-small;">(shocking, I know)</span>, this one actually didn't offend as much as I expected. The 14-year-old started watching with us but then went back on the computer, and the 21-year-old listened as he was on his own laptop, too. But, now my memory is all caught up and I can finally watch the 2020 sequel!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpWTaYo6xJbTRk5JLQtp3kHqhReSVeGoalH83Awwe3S_MOjFC34u_DY1NWCPAcw1Vv-xQ7JtRFfCQc1hDk0YIC5179eqdOJ_1Al2wzEhWKl4WQRbgH23wB2uOxl32hg9M43s7NK04Em5xnyLkCuqpl2Paop3X4rDIbiIAJryE1PA26DWRSHw=s320" width="256" /></a></div><div>73. 12/18/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Great</a></i><br />(Season 1-2, Hulu)</div><div>So damn weird, so darkly funny, so beautifully shot. That's my short assessment, and I've been enjoying watching an episode at lunch almost daily. Oh, and I forgot one other important descriptor-- so, so, so profane. I think that's what I like best. Seeing these <span style="font-size: x-small;">(sometimes)</span> historical figures <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and most other times fictional)</span> act in ways that are deeply human but expressed in a modern-day way never ceases to intrigue me. Can't wait for season 3. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful_Boy_(2018_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg34c5o6ispzzYbjPEsdXFQBurUGObrN6Nz3SUmy49foJD4lEC4eSIgXgbcNjyUOUOUe2SNKs2IOK2eM3hcDGKl0Actaq9KvPf8I554fysHf4JMJhkt3sBHmC2H2I2kLT-qH90_TJO5ENAeLhaPGfj5Xpy35MjAf1mayJwfCG53e_jTQwJWKQ=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>72. 12/13/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful_Boy_(2018_film)" target="_blank">Beautiful Boy</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>The 15-year-old had been asking to watch this one for a little while, and I needed some time to prepare. I'd watched this a few years ago and sobbed for just about two hours straight. Guess what, second viewing, same as the first. This film is so touching and heartbreaking and tender-- an absolute show of parental love and dedication. I'm not sure how my daughter took it all in, but at the end we were both crying nonstop and just hugged for a while. Tough watch, but so damn beautiful.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick,_Tick..._Boom!_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjde4r0hqD_ml49dO09GEe6oDiKnIPNYm6Z3T-k7PJoQXHoP9ZAHO7X8pzpZFC57YJU2Pp--r66uEw7wlOQZCp0rw2aO89tEhu4rMObySjq-F0N6HY5qRoi22S22_HWzx6FHiCu4zexCauFaZufZbvoAkdA0nffd0V6OFWscX9GHaBdG1Oh6A=s320" width="216" /></a></div><div>71. 12/11/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick,_Tick..._Boom!_(film)" target="_blank">Tick, Tick...Boom!</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Oh, what a beautiful film. I didn't know much about Jonathan Larson's works prior to <i>Rent</i>, so I was happy to see how his earlier life had played out. It took me a little bit to figure out the structure of the movie, because the timeline shifts back and forth but I eventually got on board. The music, though, is what was the biggest appeal. You can hear the inspirations for <i>Rent </i>along with what was just Larson's style, which definitely still has appeal. I'm not the biggest Broadway fan, but even I was excited to see old familiar faces in their cameos, and I looked up to see which ones I didn't recognize. All in all, it was emotional and fun in life-affirming ways even while it was tinged with tragedies to come. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtRDNs6ogOoTx4PvGmmFnjFTugNrYg_y3fiF-kjO7DeUkUWXxHl4YZNsk9xEeE9r2NdxIi0WuRTUBazm63sbHmKRZMAq8ILP9B1FPo65XqQaMgN1UJGwi_zGFqFE0FuocfLuw/s320/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_theatrical_poster.png" width="224" /></a></div><div>70. 12/6/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows" target="_blank">What We Do in the Shadows</a></i></div><div>(FX on DVR)</div><div>Well, it's safe to say that I am much, much fonder of the show, but the show wouldn't be what it was without this original movie. Individually, the characters all have lots of potential, but there are a lot of them and it's only 85 minutes long. But, I did laugh, and Taika Waititi as a vampire 'dandy' is actually quite charming and adorable. I'm really glad that we had the chance to watch this, but it was DVR'd off cable, so I'm pretty certain we missed some accented f-bombs. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWWPn_0ceg-Iwj6Sa7o-SSCUGeIIQGPs8Kd5bRJdSUPVkyTrl0roeKZVo1yt9LuUmNy_3cAKazGhZ8lHey-RfOEzP6MIC35QLvLDIerYd7dfDX2enDkDN4bQWgKuM8uorQHwD/s320/p20335936_b_v13_aa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>69. 12/2/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)" target="_blank">What We Do in the Shadows</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-3, Hulu)</div><div>I really don't feel like the title of this series matches the ridiculously fun nature of the show, so in our household, we just call it <i>Vampires</i>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(We're not terribly creative, apparently, but it gets the job done.)</span> I had first heard of this show when a FB friend posted about it pretty much nonstop sometime last year. My first impression was that it was just strange, and I didn't realize that it was supposed to be a comedy, I think. When I proposed watching it to Hubby after we kept seeing it pop up on Hulu, he wasn't terribly excited at first, but by the end of the first episode we both knew this was a unique show. It's safe to say that I was the bigger fan initially, but then when our 15-year-old hung out in the living room while we watched an episode, she immediately became the megafan in the family. From that point on, we very quickly binged the rest of the episodes. It's so ridiculous and hilarious, and the characters are delightfully crass and profane and idiotic and outrageously confident for such absolute ding-dongs. Our plan is to watch the original movie sometime soon to compare the show to its theatrical roots. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encanto_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="768" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tkrYxdb_J3vCree4Qyz4690OA71DNDQnjy3BqcqXU2wxq_f3b873bIpgy3vzoy-ahVR_s8A6siNsN03kaZl80-OGPl4NHhCoAbp5nAHYdcI9GVPEGg0qdMo29lOGZoqRZmrd/s320/image001-2.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div>68. 11/26/2021</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encanto_(film)" target="_blank">Encanto</a></i></div><div>(theater)</div><div>We went to see this on Thanksgiving Day but in honor of our friend JN's birthday, and it marked my first movie in a theater since January 2020! Unfortunately, the first time we had planned didn't work because of false advertising by the theater, but we were able to shift the day and return later in the afternoon. And, I'm so glad that we did, because this was an utter delight. There was a sweetness to the whole thing that I adored, and the music was super fun, especially the song about the character named Bruno. Beautiful animation, and solid voicing. And!! Abuela from <i>In the Heights </i>was the singing voice for this Abuela, and as soon as I heard her, I almost popped right out of my seat. Big fun, and I'd be down for watching again when it hits Disney+.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_Education_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="460" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3dScKkYAe-riZJXrjJlzVYYR9XmRcsbPoEWnhIJq-WzNDM2QI7XfYVuN9xHX2lrFrLTSjG8CA2WDfZ8RSiN8mHWhEaoPT706pSArX3pPNYXSl4rVfo6ztLoaVCYv1ZTKl0Pq/w232-h302/image.png" width="232" /></a></div></div><div>67. 11/20/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_Education_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Sex Education</a></i></div><div>(Season 3, Netflix)</div><div>Good lord, how I love this show. For the final two episodes, I just had tears streaming down my face because of all the emotions they evoked. This show is fucking brilliant, and I've encouraged our 15-year-old to watch it, as well, after she watched a few episodes with us. I've never seen adolescent-- and adult, for that matter-- emotional and sexual relationships handled in such an open and honest way. This show is more educational than anything I ever received in my life, and I can't wait for more seasons.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://stomponline.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="725" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xh8eQfgJP7cZWwMqb41hXVrs2J6gPbpOjOmsbOGzK0yWX1YN3a0m0Hb-i3VItKsdmCfabMj2PhafNZcBoLuXUMhBhBd4W03y1X79PIjg-Mx3e5px6L-E79yyjk5js6VQiljj/s320/stomp-web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>66. 11/17/21</div><div><i><a href="https://stomponline.com/" target="_blank">STOMP</a></i></div><div>(Memorial Auditorium, Ohio University)</div><div>Originally scheduled for April 2020, Hubby and I finally got to see the current tour of this AMAZING show. I had zero prior knowledge about the show beyond the fact that it would involve percussion of all kinds with atypical items. I didn't know that it was going to be funny and clever in all the ways that it truly was, and while I kept the complimentary earplugs in for the majority of the show, I loved every second of it.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (And, I didn't leave with a headache!) </span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_Way_Back" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWB-I-woTlHLqnqPsfECZM2GWdCMPMkrj9SUx-jbF-xGqlVvnw-mdcOILz-KNinJtL__YYmZe2L5Fs0Gw7t8aKBvsDuBLMW9B2OIEGFn1xyI1at5TFoo609YbSRsN1euhuWPj/s320/MV5BNTU5ODk5NDg0Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzQwMjI1OQ%2540%2540._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>65. 11/7/2021</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_Way_Back" target="_blank">The Way Way Back</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Rental)</div><div>I honestly can't say what it is about this movie that makes me want to return again and again, but it's just a great combination of lots of factors. Great acting-- painfully awkward teen care of Liam James and adorable and kind teen care of AnnaSophia Robb; nastier-than-usually-seen Steve Carrell; solid performances from Allison Janney, Toni Collette, and Maya Rudolph; and of course, Sam Freaking Rockwell, whose man-child character will forever occupy a space in my heart. This coming-of-age story is just one of my faves, and it was my birthday so I asked the family to watch it with me... one teen left midway through while the other played on her phone for much of the flick, but it didn't matter. I enjoyed it as always. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workin%27_Moms" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9IA9nGTYTd6wL-enj-NiTD06BCTjFJlv6M9Wpd1vUM6cyNm76Po0dLkYrPOgy0fh0JMzs7JedmVNLNtBDSTXGVP5jqu1qttoWrPb8mRFhiDGpExsOi0OrhIId0q73iIDsRrQ/s320/WM5.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>64. 11/1/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workin%27_Moms" target="_blank">Workin' Moms</a></i></div><div>(Season 5, Netflix)</div><div>Is this the worst comedy ever made? Probably not, but it's gotta be damn close. Why have I watched every season that has come out if I actually hate it? Because there are plenty of times when you want to put something on in the background and be reminded of how bad a show can be. I cannot stand a thing about any of the main characters on this show, and they seemingly learn nothing from their previous experiences because they all just continue to be piles of shit pretending-- half-assedly-- to be parents. Vom. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Murders_in_the_Building" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmYsWpQ7bPgI7ELqNShmK72dh0L2tsolRdpP0Nq6j-maf6Q2nOv_oaEGfHl1ckm6u0_WN_GigHVperg_whyJDNpMaYBr_8FS8Ta_0diytPd28YNkQFw3uTCuI0W51MWbMBnvf/s320/MV5BODAzZjI5NGItNGNlYS00NWU1LTgwNjUtOGQwNWJiMWQwMDg1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ%2540%2540._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>63. 10/26/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Murders_in_the_Building" target="_blank">Only Murders in the Building</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div>We definitely jumped on the bandwagon with this one, and at first I thought it was going to be super annoying because, well, Martin Short. And yes, he was his usual over-the-top character, but all the other characters plus an all-over-the-place plot made him palatable and the viewing experience overall a ton of fun. A fun show about murder? Yup, I hear myself. I know. And now, with a cliff hanger of a season finale, I'm all onboard for next season. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocky_Horror_Picture_Show" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1026" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzga9AVGR-IX7LHlRl1vCw30AuPtdymSuJMxVlRH6bjMm_nnNjVZa59MMlaQHqk0GquZJN8l2r6Nc4DmkM1LJVG-sKpxLsPRNEFCJs43FYVY93XwEW4NCXCCsVWUXs27aYhF08/s320/81q127-7OgL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div>62. 10/23/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocky_Horror_Picture_Show" target="_blank">The Rocky Horror Picture Show</a></i><br />(Parsons' deck)<br /><div>In all my almost 46 years of life, I'd never seen this movie in its entirety. I'd seen random images and clips and had the vaguest sense of the plot, but this was the first time I actually sat down to watch the movie. How did I have no idea at all that it involved aliens?! And WOAH, it was way more explicit than I had imagined was possible for a regular movie in the 70s!! But I did think I knew one traditional action for audiences to do during a viewing, so I brought along a piece of toast and waited until it seemed like the right moment to throw it toward the screen-- I googled afterward, and I got it right!! We watched this out on friend's back deck on a cool autumn night and it was a fantastic time!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1brHeQ1_vStEFxBtFq0HK4XEjK_LCL_1dFeBRAa1QYUeiShKt1-4LyskTm00V1qgLpZJNZBo0xZDc8x7IyHm4icrvBosAq_tF0cUkBKv7-Al5gK1iOQ7oPQWWNn6UhLst1D6/s320/DG.jpg" /></a></div><div>61. 10/21/21</div><div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls" target="_blank">Derry Girls</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1 & 2, Netflix)</div><div>"Being a Derry Girl, well, it's a fucking state of mind."<br />Well said, Michelle, well said. This is the third time I've watched the series straight through, and I appreciate the girls keeping me company in my office over the last couple lunch hours. This show will always be absolute perfection in my eyes.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Rd2kaDFNRNQTPKyruYo5IhhpSus98sKsVycGD5bEEFmJmqW_XxPpbV3_AHREBx_mRmbsr3qGb9rRz6vZt4r25rfGGxzkMb6JQAjRYPspJnruhi1L3ap5VffgiL95rvx-3j23/s320/mL5472_1024x1024.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>60. 10/9/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Lasso" target="_blank">Ted Lasso</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-2, Hulu)</div><div>I've read so many think-pieces about this show, I don't know that I have an original thought left about it. I do know that I appreciate any fictional story that portrays mental health issues realistically and thoughtfully, and this does exactly that so damn well. Ted's panic attacks were viscerally on point. I have always appreciated that the central theme I could take away was vulnerability, and as I'm not a sportsballs-of-any-kind fan, I liked having sports be the conduit for the building of relationships that encouraged vulnerability and honesty, especially among characters who would be easily assumed to be hypermasculine. The big spoiler for the finale wasn't really a spoiler for our family, as we'd been talking about Nate's arc all season and predicted much of what came to pass. My takeaway from the season 2 finale, though, is that I want to go back and rewatch the series and try to see it from his perspective more often. Not that I think his behavior and choices are justified-- not in the least-- but I do want to try to understand him a bit more, perhaps. There's a lot of pain there that he has not allowed to be revealed, and as a result, he's become the villain. I hope there's a redemption story coming next season. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Mad_Fat_Diary" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1070" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Fh-1vldhmpJzt0g1DfLWTvbd4W-vz21UwnNHgWbertp_6RCMJkC8PUuOa0nItchcG8ijjbtB3sE6YmAQtupCCDVhfKbmW-e2AA01v-cr5KWy5nPl43q36aIW1igpbwm1Ojk0/s320/81Q1%252ByOwsjL._SL1500_.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div>59. 10/9/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Mad_Fat_Diary" target="_blank">My Mad Fat Diary</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-3, Hulu)</div><div>It's been a helluva week. Thankfully, tests have shown that there isn't Covid in our house, but the kids and I were all week with one super nasty cold that knocked us out. As a result, I had a lot of time on my hands to listlessly stare at my phone, and it was a perfect time for Hulu to recommend this show. This brilliant dramedy rang true for me on several levels and perspectives. Realistically showing a teen struggling with her mental health isn't always what you get with these kinds of shows, but this hits all kinds of right notes. Characters who appear to be pretty shallow or stereotypical get fleshed out so dang well, just like the viewer is a teenager maturing in their perspective about others as they grow. I highly recommend it, as a parent and as a person for whom anxiety, depression, and obesity all play big roles. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1114" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-DFAt34tXgIz1hCL6BSxlM4ARrNMpPYp_Xt_r2cJFMt2M7oSfBWsCrSXpIVdxRm1m_7KK8_xADsgNUVCvTlD3-GAQWbPdsUTdCWLBhgL3xmtpOP3VaugkzKZEqLuIWjsOrUW/s320/uncle.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div>58. 10/2/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Uncle</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-2, Hulu)</div><div>Well, I thought this series got cancelled after the second season since that's all that's on Hulu and it's a couple years old already. Apparently not, as the Wikipedia page shows a third season that came out in 2017, two years after the previous one. Of course, that's not available for me to watch, and I thought it was actually kind of nice to end on such a cliffhanger! This was an absurd show that made me crack up at times and it was nice filler to watch while eating lunch alone in my office. If I get access to the final season, I'll definitely watch it. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Perfect_Strangers_(miniseries)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMy7fKZsUbQClXY_irGpb78ryH_L3-YF7krem8uh-kbpOzg14-KM_H3Cgh9BFuTasc-tmxBxzUaEeZFDcF4dAVVa7Th6m6ticTO7759RbTtkmwj1zUZmsNiT49pLpxsNNYiflP/s320/MV5BYjBkYjgxNTktZjQ0Zi00OGU5LThjOTEtOGUzMDVhNjc2MjU4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ%2540%2540._V1_UY1200_CR90%252C0%252C630%252C1200_AL_.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><div>57. 9/23/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Perfect_Strangers_(miniseries)" target="_blank">Nine Perfect Strangers</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Hulu)</div><div>With eight total episodes, I was excited for what I imagined would be like an extra-long movie. I knew nothing about the story beyond the strange and magical trailers that were shared prior to the show's release. What I didn't expect was to be utterly befuddled for seven episodes... and then to have what was ultimately an anticlimactic finale. Things were less magical than everything had intimated, and the hint at how the series will be continued came in the final minutes. I'm not sure what I would have liked to be different, but I feel like I was on the edge of my seat for hours only to have a few minutes of explanation. Perhaps I'll need to read the original book to see if the arc played out differently. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casual_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75UlDqIYWPqLLJVAwgEEdPMiXPWM-Bpucp_IWEFYGj6Tj08gMNOozXFNQffjUC4W80IsIzDnbalhg3Z68MupddVK3ONgZYGQZ0CbZ0VMQAGeMmnwxxi9bzfJkSOZuzFBU72lj/s320/img_0354+%25281%2529.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>56. 9/23/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casual_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Casual</a></i><br />(Seasons 1-4, Hulu)</div><div>Well, this show was truly hit and miss for me. The storylines were interesting sometimes, but they often were so cyclical that I found myself thinking, "Jesus, this again?" I quite love narratives with complex and complicated characters who make errors and sometimes hurt themselves in the process, but these characters were way too often way too self-destructive for me to even keep caring about them. At face value, you'd think Valerie's character would be more likable than Alex's, since she had her life together in more traditional ways, but by the end, I wasn't sure she even deserved any happiness at all, as she was more insufferable than I could stand. Clearly there was talent here, actors and writers and directors all, but the end product was more miss than hit for me.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Guy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1421" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ9C8mjdWdhhRasLIDBONYw6Rq18I88GXq6ZV4AvpscoSFGDpbQby24NWsJ0hsdCHu-h7hqeHM_Qj-03_kn-beHWGiYGBQK11POaVzfkbH8_dAUJeD4lUTp8nI5tIViBrrL6z/s320/free+guy.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div>55. 9/11/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Guy" target="_blank">Free Guy</a></i></div><div>(Drive-in)</div><div>Okay, so I'm pretty sure I understood anywhere from 67-89% of the plot details of this movie, which is to say that I squelched a lot of questions while watching it so as not to annoy Hubby. But, seriously, I'm not a gamer, so I had lots of confusion about how things work in that world. The kids, however, were hilariously laughing at some of the scenes, especially when real-life YouTubers were featured and they screamed out their names. (Thank goodness we were at the drive-in!) This was amusing enough, and Ryan Reynolds was perfectly playing goofball Ryan Reynolds, so there was that, too.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shang-Chi_and_the_Legend_of_the_Ten_Rings" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkJ8NlqPUILEBBHqVpIoCtyTiAgMx7iF49g0mbJJkO0hJt0RejnJvBcWAMDFPOHmjkw3ZZxnFoothdKEP_nWvyH4ArOnrkfg1ziMiOTUZDgRKlrtaYBLb_J85XUg0uJIZFOuJ/s320/Shang-Chi-Poster-Marvel.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div>54. 9/11/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shang-Chi_and_the_Legend_of_the_Ten_Rings" target="_blank">Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings</a></i></div><div>(Drive-in)</div><div>Other than the fact that I had trouble seeing and hearing this flick at the drive-in (the subtitles were blocked unless I sat straight up and leaned forward, but then I was further from the one speaker that was working, so it was harder to hear!), I really enjoyed it! I've seen a few Marvel movies and have a basic understanding of the world thanks to a bevy of H U G E fans in the family, but I liked that this one was 99.9% a stand-alone film, until the final scenes. Simu Liu has such big-screen charm, and obviously, he's beautiful, so there's that. I loved the mystical elements, even if I wished many of the scenes weren't so dark. I don't know anything about the original Marvel comics of Shang-Chi, but I have heard that they were pretty racist and culturally stereotypical, and I've also heard some positive chatter about culturally relevant representation in the film. I liked that actually Asian people were playing Asian roles, and it made me happy to hear characters speaking their native languages. I imagine we'll be watching this again at home when it's available to stream, and the kids and Hubby had already seen it in the theater, and they LOVED their second viewing. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barb_and_Star_Go_to_Vista_Del_Mar" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5Ojb2iZ35ja7nfNVwwfU7yy94EaGiXPQSURcUGP6oBlJ5xqh0lICz9hHk15levx05R2YQNecIAnFy7v3954JwK_TvGn9H2kDol2JcpiebHsjCiblHLxjOFYF-NERiP1bxuHX/s320/BAS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>53. 9/4/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barb_and_Star_Go_to_Vista_Del_Mar" target="_blank">Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)<br /><div>Well, that got made, apparently. How? That's a damn good question. Was everyone on drugs from the writers to the studio execs who greenlit this hot mess of a movie? Yes, technically I laughed at times, but it was definitely laughter from a WTAF?? mindset. Honestly, this was about 102 minutes too long. (That first five minutes was at least unique...)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Way_Up_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0fALKzRcHD9bi6MyA1_bIyVjHispdAEn6C1NGqDCR1qgoWxH-kQkvGR1leVqgZp9L0Eor05-3O9A31WaElLsaYEoRxYEZMy3in61eDeFskawPcmENKcYzlvE4Q0o37OBUUfC/s320/twu.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>52. 8/22/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Way_Up_(TV_series)" target="_blank">This Way Up</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1 & 2, Hulu)</div><div>If you're wondering who the target audience is for this show, look no further. It's me. You may indeed like it, too, especially if you think a lot about mental health. It's funny, sharp, and smart, and the acting is brilliant. I love everything about this show except for two things-- a season is only 6 episodes and a third season has yet to be announced. <br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Family" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pgLf8Dv453FJiD-Q3WH8Hxf-R9tpaYFcO7QMqbLDN8wzvjbWe9FiFKqzwAJjtbY-CqKNNrZPCA-hkapXfHbIqLzx7YyxwDuuvdf4jRnf98YNMm01aLiL5vGjNhWaZ1BBTdot/s0/download+%25281%2529.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>51. 8/15/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Family" target="_blank">Modern Family</a></i></div><div>(Season 11, Hulu)</div><div>We began to watch this season when it was airing on network TV, but then Hubby and I got a bit tired/bored of it. The kooky ways of the three family units and the hijinks they would all get into ended up being just too much, so we took it off the DVR and went our separate ways. Recently I needed to put something on that didn't need a ton of my attention while I folded laundry, so I opened up Hulu and there it was. I found where we had left off and just started what I thought was the next episode. I ended up watching a couple that were vaguely familiar and then finished the season. It had its tender moments, and while I wasn't as entertained by the schtick as I was 11 years ago, I did have to marvel at the fact that this crew were together a LONG time, especially for those kids who were so young when it all began. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_City" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNPa9sHhHoiPJervswGvmL-9ThIAnjRg2r-ExoHJ8AD73yw-P1uUVCmymJZJTQNaRBEkqtDIGyvmSUZo0OKTcCHsbv84aQ30lS4CpNcL5BSSg9O0xl5cD5TEiYQvPEA9WFXSS/s320/9w8UKR9ZoIhabAvmRhI1KhV4Ngy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>50. 8/5/2021</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_City" target="_blank">Broad City</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-5, Hulu)</div><div>How did I not watch this in real-time?!?! I owe a debt of gratitude to my friends the F-Ks for encouraging me to watch (binge) this on Hulu, because this quickly became my favorite thing and a treat to enjoy on my lunch break after a morning of spreadsheeting hard. I loved these silly, ridiculous, flawed but lovable characters, even if I absolutely know I couldn't hang with them. Abbi and Ilana brought me joy over 50 episodes, and now it's time to check out the web series that came first!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim%27s_Convenience" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfBHvq9WikJVQwE_Edq9N7Fq_qYxeaTmOnQyAghZTD63kER00do1sRUL6gWO76bp0rXmldFtwclI5DJ5DfX6gAEybjEP04YdihI-VEA_-QUiz77yKj2l-1Jj0CQcpDA-U-wDi/s320/KC5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>49. 7/28/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim%27s_Convenience" target="_blank">Kim's Convenience</a></i></div><div>(Season 5, Netflix)</div><div>As much as I love the Kim family, this season was a letdown, and it's obvious that the troubles behind the scenes affected the quality of the show and forced it to be done prematurely. But, these characters will remain in my heart as a realistic family, and one that showed me cultural experiences different than my own. But don't even talk to me about Shannon getting a spin-off-- that's garbage.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sixth_Sense" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHoc1fgn8FU7PY-7QG4nUgPV0pGFLrMc_qGPT__MwKLmMxFqZc83hTcb9ln4JoSQVg1JL-94lVdEoMs1ddOimK5-hNV00AGPOdDxo4wO55DjeRxbOIC22apUFgAteyIiMPOim/s320/TSS.jpg" /></a></div><div>48. 7/24/2021</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sixth_Sense" target="_blank">The Sixth Sense</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Continuing in the psychological horror theme for a second night in the row, the teens were both pleased with this one, and remarkably, neither knew anything about the movie going into it. Upon the delivery of the infamous line, <i>"I see dead people," </i>our youngest said, <i>"Waaaiitttt... Is he actually dead?!" </i>Hubby and I tried to play it cool and say something about it being an interesting theory, and the older teen immediately dismissed it as a ridiculous idea. But, I tell you, when everything was finally revealed in the end, that kid was ecstatic about her early realization. I was impressed all over again at this flick, 22 years after its release. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Out" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlAEwlDHSOjkhSBPgHTsHa_muWRvldSAFoxwKjHg247ApvNXnL80BQMyi0CkhzF9r1yXQ94MIN5AVdwxJGZK9DLs9cv2GsxHN9fDKgkLmXalveAeJOib9USQTw3AKBm56aXX4/s320/get+out.jpg" /></a></div><div>47. 7/23/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Out" target="_blank">Get Out</a></i></div><div>(DVD)</div><div>It's hard to watch this multiple times and see all the now-so-obvious clues that I missed the first time through. Watched it with the 13 and 15 year olds (I know, Parent of the Year, obvi), and while the older one thought it was BORING after being conditioned by <i>American Horror Story</i>, the younger one had her mind blown. Jordan Peele's directorial debut will always be just fucking brilliant.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where%27d_You_Go,_Bernadette_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1020" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3HzoLg9PJxPM1FWJYbzg01SVt43LQCjuYxr6IMP33B2YIKClIJxLmB5-j8ZGJPHKd7_6tg0PxuesH2FAAQK5pWZDzofiUCsGM-32p6lwiW4PgvmJcZaM9sJc2OgjE_mLqctA/s320/WYGB.jpg" /></a></div><div>46. 7/7/21 </div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where%27d_You_Go,_Bernadette_(film)" target="_blank">Where'd You Go, Bernadette</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>While I don't remember enough from the book to say what may have been different in the movie adaptation, I do remember that I was taken with the characters when I first read the book, and I felt the same with the movie, just not as deep a connection. As always, I think the character development that can be done in a book is always going to be deeper than in a film, but I did enjoy watching these performances. Cate Blanchett was mesmerizing on screen, bringing a unique personality and plot to life.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Know_This_Much_Is_True_(miniseries)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K3g9XRcbKY5PoAAFtoNrIUgw6smyVR9qRAlcOXTHbQtFHY1oj0aau2J5o0QjH6uuiW84GgRzZHFfCxFDt5he4ms0Mp1Xv4G14dKFatrHql6Izr0chfE7rJIU0kcX8XWdv3cC/s320/IKTMIT.jpg" /></a></div><div>45. 7/5/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Know_This_Much_Is_True_(miniseries)" target="_blank">I Know This Much is True</a></i></div><div>(HBO Max)<br /><div>It's been years and years since I've read this novel, which will always be one my favorite ever. (It's been at least 13 years, as I've been keeping track of all books read since 2008.) I struggled to remember the details, but I immediately recalled the feelings and the characters, and damn if this wasn't a BRILLIANT adaptation. Mark Ruffalo, you, sir, are fucking incredible. I was moved by these portrayals in what is one of the emotionally heavy and dark stories I've ever known. I don't even know what to say other than this is a must watch mini-series that is hard to watch but ultimately worth every second.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luca_(2021_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="1086" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHD_Bfz-vx5pxoJcF971WfTFfoEqWmeSDwlEBMmAK_x-s1ZBbzR2Y7NMmYFwdD82nkDkahwTg9R-mrgJLvlOY5GS_6PWNdzbSG-pEPDD-mmg7pLotuTnG0p6U9rPQZJhWXP2Q/s320/luca.jpg" /></a></div><div>44. 7/3/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luca_(2021_film)" target="_blank">Luca</a></i></div><div>(Disney+)</div><div>Sure, this was cute enough, but what was ultimately a young, gay first romance just couldn't be acknowledged openly, and for that, I was annoyed, along with my LGBTQ kids. This article summed it up best-- https://www.insider.com/luca-lgbt-gay-queer-coded-2021-6.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Panther_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMglwsdQW-vLRr4VIhz_Aq6XUZ9qBWz2ek7odsmvWUHRsG2g0g_B9RTURCn5_wh4xN9lgJz3-haBE4HFC97yYKUVDz_c0qxlGcaXzn2BVOtujwAnuXhRwn0g_dvgZLhNTwVYVZ/s320/BP.jpg" /></a></div><div>43. 7/3/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Panther_(film)" target="_blank">Black Panther</a></i></div><div>(Disney+)<br />Okay, technically I'd seen much of this movie before, but only in pieces and never from the very beginning, so while I knew the general plot, this was the first time I got to see it all from start to finish. I was moved by the complexity of the 'bad guy's' motives and how actually relatable they were. It was heartbreaking to see Chadwick Boseman on screen and so powerful, especially knowing all he was enduring at the time and all that was to come. I'm glad I finally was around for a full viewing.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything%27s_Gonna_Be_Okay" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="565" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfO36Mk-rQXA1tAlPs353IvYWtKsGZ2ooWgyH_INs-al99B84eco76BAKcUbAxsJ3pjz3CZ7jqHbl_PGp-v4RILV_tX-RBVIqSjSvXz7yCS-rbYZ03uIEyYuCwspBITaUXAJ2b/s320/Season2poster.jpg" /></a></div><div>42. 6/27/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything%27s_Gonna_Be_Okay" target="_blank">Everything's Gonna Be Okay</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-2, Hulu)</div><div>Josh Thomas is a special kind of performer in that I never want to take my eyes off him in any scene that he's in. I want to continue to watch him as other characters speak, because he never takes one second off, and he acts through so much more than just his lines. While I binged his first sitcom <i>Please Like Me</i> two times in a row, this one made me wait through season 1, as the episodes were still airing when I began the series. I love so much about this show-- its unique voice, the fact that autistic characters are played (and consulted on) by autistic actors, that adolescence is portrayed with such humor, and that every actor is just incredible. Oh, and the bugs!! This show is like nothing else on TV right now.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid%27s_Tale_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5JTonU-bhKl7Vkdv25Uom6TDMBtC8c4lP8cG4sIRikI_vWSe46CyB7JC4Z_i6aKYD4s_QTsLY3tk0D5fmlncH3p-TN6GaAJ2gj1dMU5myZlROULH7FeFVia6iLCPUlshLe66/s0/download.jpg" /></a></div><div>41. 6/25/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid%27s_Tale_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Handmaid's Tale</a></i></div><div>(Season 4, Hulu)</div><div>THAT. FINALE. WAS. EVERYTHING. Everything I've been waiting for- all the rage, all the brutality finally going in the other fucking direction, all the release that June has needed for four years. EVERYTHING. I've just finished it, and I'm literally shaking. Putting her in a red wool hooded coat to finally dispense her own justice to the author of her torturous story was visually stunning and shocking to the core. I honestly have no idea what to expect next, but for the first time, I'm hopeful and looking forward to the continuation of June's story. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="282" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOGV3OJSGfTvzJoesPxWHCcdWI3PCfim36T4WQbvFXJmPDZDANXa0r7pq-qyawGrRaK1FrB99Bs-zflRL28rAgcCBntvF3fV6noGe5VpQuRGx0UTC-3hLr-WpgYutIOxPBbNL/w201-h251/Grey%2527s_Anatomy_season_17_poster.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><div>40. 6/23/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy" target="_blank">Grey's Anatomy</a></i></div><div>(Season 17, ABC)</div><div>Jesus Christ, this show. I've been with Meredith Grey since before two of my three children have been alive, and I'm kind of exhausted of the relationship. But, I compulsively have to watch as long as they keep making new episodes, so I strapped in for another season. I found myself pleasantly surprised by how much I didn't say, "I hate this damn show!" this round! I was impressed with the tone they struck in portraying the Covid pandemic, and while I'm not sure that actual hospital staff would call the show overall realistic, I do imagine that the emotional impact was portrayed accurately. For those who survived another season, I'll see you in the fall.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Things_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFd0rC8WJO_Ypc1jLbDvoz_LQMmkSxHwASxDfGIlrrMNi9fE_IDEDsoKoRkYiBVtK1eDsLAIWs5d6jrlQ1jcdMsbTj3GLuUWb_L3wuk1ku72iNoXDXtHjvpiHGy9kYPCA4ZJ6/s0/BT.jpg" /></a></div><div>39. 6/22/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Things_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Better Things</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-4, Hulu)</div><div>Wow. A friend told me she was watching this and wanted to recommend it, but she wasn't sure if I'd love it or hate it. And she was right. I do both love and hate this show, but that is a statement that needs significant clarification. I love everything about Pamela Adlon's character Sam Fox, and while we live wildly different lives, there's so much about the way she processes her life experiences that is so damn relatable. What I hate about the show-- some, but not all of the time-- are the characters of her kids. Fuck, these kids are allowed to be hurtful and selfish beyond imagine with no correction way too much for my comfort. It's been painful to watch at times, knowing how much of Sam's emotional well-being is tied into these relationships. (R-E-L-A-T-A-B-L-E) I wish she'd call out more of their hurtful behavior, but thankfully, as the kids have grown, they've become more aware of the effects of their words and behaviors. It also helps that as the series progresses, we see more episodes that focus on Sam and her relationships with other people, and the episodes with few to no appearances of her children are by far my favorites. I cannot wait for season 5!</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Heights_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqANgImjWHyECC8oQ3FqUVZP_EKH_CSpvWUdb1oT7xalQ006Ao6nSSLNmwt2JBTYnPULnYG0Gvh85bwxWhdMt353T0KrpI91cfFHg3zqETZFWKaC7Rhaq-2wWF6mJ8Jebqurb/s320/ITH.jpg" /></a></div>38. 6/12/21, 6/26/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Heights_(film)" target="_blank">In the Heights</a></i></div><div>(HBO Max)</div><div>After almost 2 years of waiting, my excitement level for this movie was OUT OF THIS WORLD. We got some good pals together for an outdoor viewing on the new projector and screen purchased for this every event! (And we had a delicious DIY grilled cheese bar beforehand, too!) The movie was everything I had hoped for-- sweet and tender, visually gorgeous, and musically beyond amazing. I danced, I sang, I whooped, I hollered. It was the best, and as I have HBO Max for a month now, I can't wait to watch it again. (And again. And again.)</div><div>*****************</div><div>The second viewing was just as fun!! I kept my singing to a whisper, as we were indoors and with my father-in-law this time, but I loved experiencing it all over again.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pose_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGTXipWt6SuAUcjdOWsPpB5YdkHvuUiLfHvrr3d4ItYX5eNP_qrqHzP5FbWe_pXP1gzPDXg4VTstM0rmZB0IPHq5oyhUeHUBYvNSUxXQ2znyc2OewKRTebDMWKXQl0fv8hZom/s320/pose.jpg" /></a></div>37. 6/11/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pose_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Pose</a></i></div><div>(Season 3, FX)</div><div>Oh, my heart. Yes, this show is OVER THE TOP. Yes, it is DRAMATIC. Yes, it is intentionally EMOTIONALLY MANIPULATIVE. And I love every second of it. This season definitely felt rushed as they tried to wrap up storylines for each significant character, and I wish we had more time. But isn't that one of the main themes-- using the time you have to make the biggest impact? I was pulled in many different directions this season, expecting different outcomes and then being surprised when things came back around to the original expectations. Sigh. It was quite a ride.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Rainey%27s_Black_Bottom_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESiTHFduxmNrDgbOemyp_rGLkKs23uYyXdkWe977ScXOqlA0ESyGFwCE48ygIg14v-h1Yr9q0gynvl-hZWIo3CaV1Ec4iBxK6HwxoUydMVAoEc3mBIQ6W60npS9J-bVPhIw9c/s320/Ma_Rainey%2527s_Black_Bottom_film_poster.jpg" /></a></div><div>36. 6/5/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma_Rainey%27s_Black_Bottom_(film)" target="_blank">Ma Rainey's Black Bottom</a></i></div><div>(Amazon)</div><div>DAMN, that was amazing. I'm thankful to learn about Ma Rainey, and while I don't have experience really listening to the blues, I think I need to spend some time exploring her old recordings. The performances in this film were beyond outstanding- Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman especially made you see nothing but them on that screen. I did not expect the ending to play out the way it did, and I was definitely left wanting more.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoey%27s_Extraordinary_Playlist" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0MLDGiuaVtTNTzHIhpj00x0nB5dL8VQ0G_DCRCAI3LmjN-_jq6MFZ4lj8kW87winr_5_xn6MNl_MgzUIhRzhTgU5eCuxTAwvu4jNieHtSF2nQ7vC_xiA7_f9PYDR-jcqHyfT/s320/ZEP_poster.jpg" /></a></div><div>35. 5/30/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoey%27s_Extraordinary_Playlist" target="_blank">Zoe's Extraordinary Playlist</a></i></div><div>(Season 2, NBC)</div><div>I'm bummed that I didn't share my prediction outline of the season finale with Hubby before we watched, because I'm pretty sure it would have hit upon every single major aspect of the episode. Yes, this show is pretty predictable and super sentimental, and not every performer has a voice I am interested in hearing in song, but I can't help but enjoy the hell out of these episodes. It's a fun show and I don't expect more from it than a couple chuckles and some catchy tunes accompanied by innovative choreography. I get exactly what I expect each time.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrill_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX45BazLjz6PVE7gXGHP6cVSLoLlgp3YvSdklKrFhoWTYbZP3odz-k8Vww0ai5zYX4jQCEh4Zkj9h4luyeKpH76i_4U028xm5gEwTmXd0h9pCv36V_9rwva9dD4PRGBeXRrRX/s320/shrill.jpg" /></a></div><div>34. 5/28/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrill_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Shrill</a></i></div><div>(Season 3, Hulu)</div><div>While I was disappointed that the show was coming to an end with this season, I'm eerily satisfied by the fact that the ending is just like any realistic point in one's life-- some things are good, some things are not so good, and there's always room for more story. Aidy Bryant continues to be an incredible actor in this role, even if Annie isn't the best person out there. If the series had ended with neatly placed bow on all aspects of Annie's life that have been explored-- romantic relationships, enduring friendships, workplace performance-- it would have felt completely out of character for the show. Instead, we're left wanting more, but knowing that Annie is in a place that is familiar for her-- uncertainty. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_history_of_future_folk_2012" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1352" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE5E5Ko-pBLtnaophGI9jEgs5J9xbrwohxx-ObtdnE-aC4h9h_n8L5rSytuOV_l2UBeOFI8MbLC7OQG7bRqxHbHSk66i3XyIBK7KoH_-tb5_yOik0NCQHnwEjqghnmGM6ve6b/s320/HoFF.jpg" /></a></div><div>33. 5/27/21</div><div><i><a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_history_of_future_folk_2012" target="_blank">The History of Future Folk</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Another 'weird movie' night, only this time it was just us and the F-Ks, so we watched together in their backyard. Dang, I'm so glad that I didn't have to type all my commentary into a chat box during this flick, because there was a whole hell lot of it. This was bizarre and funny and terrible, all at the same time. But mostly terrible, in the way that we groaned and laughed together at just how terrible it truly was.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_(film)bp.blogspot.com/-nYb19Y6_QY4/YKfKHjJZCuI/AAAAAAABsyo/HOLoQfbQIt4ndn1uAvkOHH6JZGtlueNxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s505/b9f8874f4dcd78348e82ec327fc30fe7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc-PfYTuPt77Y1iDszDUgoKvXK2uPLEN6mwgS3rUdK-lqdV4ukbMg_cWyrF7OobDWNBmp2ieWqGuExd4KU1LtGA9SOaOhni2S8XbVL9_FpAY9h3ZIb3idvvpyIYnDSMopsuHo/s320/b9f8874f4dcd78348e82ec327fc30fe7.jpg" /></a></div>32. 5/20/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_(film)" target="_blank">Frank</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Our "weird movie group" got back together this week to watch this flick, that somehow I don't remember hearing anything about when it came out a couple years ago. I quite liked this roller coaster of a movie, even with a fairly slow part in the middle. Darkly funny, and a just perfect level of absurdity. Only afterward did I find out that it was based on a real person, though it seems that the filmmakers opted to make the movie Frank have some sort of mental health challenge-- or some undescribed condition-- while the real-life Frank was simply playing a character. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeders_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuvB0_KpgkUmBQlYeW1xYklwK8-lZGx9slJyhyphenhyphenSSUPsOrGMzsW653CuvNrRypwN4AZO60UUnrDa1sPlMIuI4PYU3SMbhBd81T7PnI2zfN7M5Waj0uMIj2iwNwIy1ADXDT-z7T/s320/web_largecoverart_series_breeders_540x796.jpg" /></a></div>31. 5/19/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeders_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Breeders</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1 & 2, Hulu)</div><div>Woah, somehow this is both an entertaining show and one that makes me cringe and question my own parenting approaches. Over the course of these two seasons, there are many ups and downs for both Paul and Ally, the two parental protagonists, but Paul's development is the hard one to watch. Dude needs some help, yet he's also incredibly relatable. The actors portraying their kids in the second season are quite talented, too. I really hope this gets the green light for a third season, because there's so much story to tell.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Please_Like_Me" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrb8Thfx13Zaqw6qshhZa-bTVz8G7zUzjIGiCgYfsig1o2PB02DbooQR5Ff5UGnyTwWeGn4ob8E6PDCfJ_4odEcl3hedSIXbRFbI4iLaqmo6HHNxinprgTdY6Eece-u3fBsyu/s320/original.jpg" /></a></div>30. 5/11/21, 5/23/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Please_Like_Me" target="_blank">Please Like Me</a></i></div><div>(Seasons 1-4, Hulu)</div><div>Okay, I'm officially <i>obsessed</i> with Josh Thomas. I first discovered him via a FB ad for his current show, <i>Everything's Gonna Be Okay</i>, of which I binged the first season and am now waiting each week for the latest installment. But then I moved to his first sitcom, and after I finished watching all 32 episodes, I immediately started over at the beginning. *OBSESSED* I love everything about this guy- his voice, his ridiculous giggle, his comebacks, his witty delivery, everything. Is this sitcom perfect? No, there are some elements that make me cringe at times, but I can't help but embrace the messy way it portrays mental health, LGBT issues, and the young adult years. It's fucking brilliant.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_Anything_Happens_I_Love_You" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyaUKRmI_aChgXPljKYF6PVkSz93pclDU4xvZC9ceLdS-f_iIzYZ4rz5oiALcUqjZzSo869OpZ8k2AfSZMePEjAK1QgNJLCGMEO1GqoSVc5m4sxHNEPQ6kguBV7J6SnXA4leu/s320/If_Anything_Happens_I_Love_You.jpg" /></a></div>29. 4/24/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_Anything_Happens_I_Love_You" target="_blank">If Anything Happens I Love You</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)<br /><div>In a mere twelve minutes, this animated short left me bawling. With no spoken dialogue, this devastating story is communicated visually and accompanied by soaring music, and it is heartbreaking. I can't even begin to imagine how real this tale is for so many families.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_and_Maude" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1znR_Lib2VdLZEbYtfi8H6GiZWYVxeVhmqdSQmlGXJd-KNgrWfYassWMf77BQBXBnqJ-5xffshqJqTD8KsV6gIm7OmgNHvltWRIUhHdlqi3IghlqDMLI6ULl4gKTTpGKw6Ny/s320/images.jpg" /></a></div><div>28. 4/22/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_and_Maude" target="_blank">Harold and Maude</a></i></div><div>(Amazon)</div><div>Okay, this was also a good fit for the weird movie genre, although in a different way than most of the others. I'd heard of the name of this movie before, but had zero knowledge of the content. Damn, this was not what I expected... the dark comedic nature of this film was appealing, and while it was pretty predictable what would happen in the end, seeing as they dropped a TON of hints, it was still quite a ride to watch it all play out. What a weird and wacky time.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIeQc26q6ETfNAoOHhHd0M6YPabzQLdfpjLA2pMiMGl-ncRInp3DS78eR2l8-F9mx48nMy5QPKrh9NJiVz2SvwPnr68mfd_v_6TYGSGKmucTnAtVMLrtcyeAWVLlOF-lsjjhA/s320/Spontaneous_%2528film%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div>27. 4/14/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_(film)" target="_blank">Spontaneous</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>Um, this movie was... A LOT. I definitely had loud outbursts at some scenes, because even when you know something is likely to happen, not knowing just exactly when it's going to happen still leaves you vulnerable. There was a sweetness to this flick, which sounds ridiculous to say about a movie that features randomly exploding 17-year-olds, but it's nevertheless true. I'd never heard of the book, but now I want to read it to see how it compares. (It's always an interesting experiment when I see a movie first!) Quirky, woke, rebellious teens are my favorite YA fare characters, and this was chock-full of them. Weird, but fun. And definitely GROSS.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cripcamp.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjINuiN1zagNonnf2gNLNySMkSBx9S_mGCwFtCxuhzvr_IgFm-4LqS6FhKcT3Ym3_PBl2iTwoyfjJoA9C5c_4HlOq_yUyVWoDSpLQbx2EhqpfgHFJ3mm-gi4mEfcHsqyOM77sI/s320/CC.jpg" /></a></div><div>26. 4/12/21</div><div><i><a href="https://cripcamp.com/" target="_blank">Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>When I think about all the holes in my education about our country's history, I often think about the lives, experiences, and contributions of people from marginalized populations-- Black, brown, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, Asian-American, and Pacific-Islander folx, but not enough do I consider disabled people. After watching this documentary, I wish I had known more about the Disabled Rights Movement when I was younger, both the history and the parts of the movement that were happening during my own young adult life. I need to know more about what's happening right now, and I need to be a much, much, much better ally for disabled people. This documentary was so moving and powerful, and I loved seeing people with characteristics like my own family members on the screen. I wish I knew more about my own uncles' and sister's experiences. I need to be more involved in their lives.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hysterical_(2021_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6VgM79_8ghDErTkyk1xDCW9JORHP1496RWWgvMSt8xRer1o7lbjAbMY7wcpVX5lwNLFy12j7grUMi1XKsUU5Xcluwhrul-W9UoBK0SIh0KjcziugmYVWz5T8NS1nsqtFB8YE/s320/Hysterical_poster.jpg" /></a></div><div>25. 4/6/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hysterical_(2021_film)" target="_blank">Hysterical</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>A documentary about comedians focused on the female comic experience? Sign me the fuck up. I was intrigued by the concept and pleased with the product. So many familiar faces here, and a few-to-me ones, and I was surprised by how many female comics who didn't appear in interviews for the film. I wanted even more when it was over, with even more of the comedians who have entertained me over the years. I'm not sure that this documentary had any shattering epiphanies about gender or race or any other identity, but it was a fun ride to go along on.<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_Girl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWsLcTySY4HUGgGOvUm6tlwf-qnxCnOZV40Bv8ZCkKlEghLy0a1mlPBl1gDwid8l1aGKsuFMV1SOGTkdoUFJ9-HPPe80RMbEMH3KAXu8zNKB2cK-7rLVHT9t2W11jX8tVhCzj/s320/HG.jpg" /></a></div><div>24. 4/1/21</div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_Girl" target="_blank"><i>Horse Girl</i><br /></a>(Netflix)</div><div>What started out as a seemingly perfect fit for our 'weird movie' viewing society, soon turned into a much more serious and and heavy film exploration into mental illness. I think. Or, it could have been a straightforward alien abduction story, with a more lighthearted and wacky tone, but my gut says the previous is more likely, which actually makes me regret some of the jokes I made earlier in the viewing. I don't want to go into too many details, because this is one you should definitely go into without knowing much of anything, but I would advise viewers to keep a more serious outlook.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="339" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mo7cu24D6N_fdoLOjH7WM7XP24TXZaic-xaFpWHJ9tT2RXpugFtQpwLy1lbi9o3HTP1v1dPQ2rbzSMWqKsTgyw9llyPTrOtGLItQpU6w0KtkwYHxedm07O-GTcfjv2f7e7DV/s320/51VnN-M3ljL._AC_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>23. 3/29/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower_(film)" target="_blank">The Perks of Being a Wallflower</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>I first saw this film in 2013, after reading the book the year before, and I enjoyed it this time around just as much as the first. Enjoy is an interesting term to use, though, because so much of this story is painful, and it was especially challenging watching it next to my 14-year-old who is struggling right now and felt a real connection to the troubled protagonist. So maybe 'enjoyed' isn't exactly it, but I did appreciate the realism of the story and the incredible performances. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstore_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2NKlqb3_m2dGcoQtP-bKDWokBWz2xaTk9ZQpd8ax_3a5dE4Sj8IPZ-mjcZdlFyWeShOvBr5_BQui8wnT1WGWImslHtCcvJIN1xBvfYXJXKd_kwbJrNtfDZTjglsTfzQCQ8dR/s320/superstore-season-6-poster.jpg" /></a></div><div>22. 3/28/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstore_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Superstore</a><br /></i>(Seasons 1-6, NBC)</div><div>We watched this one in 'real-time' as it aired on TV, or more specifically from our DVR recordings, for all six seasons. I think I recall it being pretty basic in the very beginning, but it did grow into a more thoughtful comedy, tackling real-world issues in its plots, but keeping a regular level of ridiculousness for genuine laughs. A couple episodes leading up to the two-part finale got under my skin, I have to admit, with some outbursts of "C'MON, ALREADY", but the finale really turned it all around for me. This ensemble worked so damn well together. I'll miss this one!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_One_I_Love_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOH6jWHRtL2cUXxKDDhK22TjggU4lLWhO2aF3OV8H7PBKd39wGJ6_rwxQVwoHOr3RUv8ukcLWwRxSowGQzvWKpPP1BMkQah_PSoBEzZBfZMlL5Iw8fHnIeja6Vp4eMCbA9jb_/s320/TOIL.jpg" /></a></div>21. 3/25/2021</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_One_I_Love_(film)" target="_blank">The One I Love</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Weird Movie Club selection this week and I quite enjoyed it-- weird enough, but still had a discernible plot. I'm not sure what to take from this examination of marriage, except that the featured 'weekend getaway' is not one that I want to be taking, because as good as it might be from one perspective, I'm afraid of what we'd find out about ourselves! The ending was somewhat expected, but still threw me for a loop thinking about the long-term implications. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Florida_Project" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiga94DkJb8ob5V8jI0KBJa8G0ogcjDgG6rf0WSZ94QLpl2z_cJY5hyu2pGL5IJ39MNvy1yq5KaEAF1W4HbyLzGSined7EQygdiPXVk-Hj_RPkpDO4UmyigqO6xHEgO9riO5Xyv/s320/The_Florida_Project.jpg" /></a></div><div>20. 3/17/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Florida_Project" target="_blank">The Florida Project</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>The 14-year-old watched this on her own while we were traveling in Florida earlier this month, and she declared it the "best movie ever, because it really makes you think." How could I not watch it with her when requested? I remember when this came out a couple years ago that I was interested in seeing it, and it definitely was very well crafted, but damn, it was not an easy viewing. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_90" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjfGIH43M1xQ5oapqffe2ID5ewbUyjeWPfigjW91Bpki24W6wYXTrMVKMkA_LDO9b7ItZ178uw_TeqfoSbPiu3qW9l8DgrbQ2a3lISGE_RHhEGbSbNOUFlpjQ4FhwWG5SHZIM/s0/k90.jpg" /></a></div><div>19. 3/15/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_90" target="_blank">Kid 90</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>When I saw the trailer for this, I kinda expected it to be a collection of clips about Hollywood teens in the 90s that would still hold some universality of what it meant to be a kid at that time, but it was really more of a snapshot of the specificity of growing up as teen in show business, and even more specifically in Soleil Moon Frye's inner circle. It's hard to not see this as more than a vanity project, especially as its release was timed to coincide with SMF's reboot of <i>Punky Brewster. </i>All that to say, it was a fun peek into the behind-the-scenes of actors I grew up watching, along with a darker side to their lives that I definitely did not have in common as a teen. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_in_Paris" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrAIf7f262Yky_9ReJh2CV6f8KfgxmZtxYmSLmm418fJf3Tx2mTUAnS4J7FS2KrSzuXLRi0yg8LELloFadlDSd9Ie64ulTSPOqNMTzSHT5Za_8-IIU_wH1LdJgua4N1ikqZXo/s320/EIP.jpg" /></a></div><div>18. 3/8/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_in_Paris" target="_blank">Emily in Paris</a></i></div><div>(Season 1, Netflix)</div><div>Ugh. I watched this season in fits and starts while we were traveling via RV for ten days. During that time, we also had this ridiculously huge bag of Skittles. I would grab a handful of the Skittles at times and eat them, momentarily enjoying the sweetness and tartness, and then realize that they actually aren't all that fantastic. Yet, I'd still grab another handful, because they were there. After a while, I'd acknowledge that the Skittles were going to make me sick... were currently making me sick, yet somehow I'd find my hand back in the bag again. <i>Emily in Paris</i> is a big-ass bag of Skittles, and even though it was making me sick, I watched all 10 episodes because they were there, and I needed a distraction. Don't bother.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mad_About_You#Revival_(2019)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5Ea71iXSb680KF6mKlxEb36G3LsNBF7lzW275LXCsR7yQBl0UZRRmSoumDL9icgrGTywujz-OVr57mbDP5ewEgTC6MwTAmce4Wi0iNMXDYK9IRlR9f9GFC8leLoD_Lg5tdvl/s0/download.jpg" /></a></div>17. 2/27/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mad_About_You#Revival_(2019)" target="_blank">Mad About You</a> </i></div><div>(Season 8, Amazon Prime)</div><div>When this series originally aired in the 90s, Hubby and I loved every minute-- a young couple, early in their relationship, dealing with all the things that young couples deal with. It was right there with us, even if we weren't a young couple living in NYC. When they announced the revival for 2019, and the premise was that Paul and Jamie's kid was leaving home for college, it was again right at the same stage as us, with our 19-year-old kid pursuing the next steps in his life. It got back-burnered for whatever reason, and I watched the season now on my own, and I was almost immediately disappointed. Was the show always this bad? Was Jamie always this unbearable and obnoxious? Was the series always such a simple attempt at cheap laughs? Well, not sure if I should go back and rewatch the original or not, because I'm not sure I'm ready to be disappointed again... but, this round? Nope, this was just awful. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Evening_with_Beverly_Luff_Linn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1348" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjLlRAopGfQ_tiyOchd0NNO3AnLs0jRAtfsYljVt9HYaHE495vRgJSXLYFPN2BkNHm5llBqgrFnwM1SlxptRn15xAf1gWs1t5OHYz5NFIarnfNm8EZmnXFX-bmzkVXdeajDjE/s320/MV5BOWEwZWRkMDgtNGQ3Ny00NmYwLTk0MmQtNDhjYzFkNzRmZmU0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxODk2OTU%2540._V1_.jpg" /></a></div><div>16. 2/18/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Evening_with_Beverly_Luff_Linn" target="_blank">An Evening with Beverly Luff Lin</a><br /></i>(Netflix)<br /><div>Another "Viewing Society" flick, and damn, this one absolutely fit the weird bill. But, it was weird in a really comical way, not in a WHAT WORLD ARE WE EVEN IN kind of way, like some of the others. I appreciated the performances, and I definitely laughed a lot, even when there was utter ridiculousness on the screen. I'd recommend this one after a drink or three, and be ready to guffaw at Craig Robinson's guttural utterances!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQajhHQBL4RGWKE7GLpaa8o0wrgUKj1Qc53BAwGopzWyf-le4NcPVP5UbSmsVs8r54pHZ1w4JTWLAbs6iKHLKTDf_kmUQHw4FtqpYJOHCR8T_-dlpbW5x0nCKyHXGQo3P_pFA/s273/anima.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQajhHQBL4RGWKE7GLpaa8o0wrgUKj1Qc53BAwGopzWyf-le4NcPVP5UbSmsVs8r54pHZ1w4JTWLAbs6iKHLKTDf_kmUQHw4FtqpYJOHCR8T_-dlpbW5x0nCKyHXGQo3P_pFA/s0/anima.jpg" /></a></div><div>15. 2/11/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anima_(Thom_Yorke_album)#Short_film" target="_blank">Anima</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>This musical short was really enjoyed by our group as a whole, but I didn't really dig the music and while the choreography was interesting, the film as a whole didn't grab me. I think I was looking for a straight-line narrative and couldn't follow what was actually going on. It was neat to look at, I guess, but it didn't hold my attention, and 15 minutes felt like a whole lot more.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzJzCy2E5mLKvUwIV-UWJ-J98_AJtc0rarml24H5CHz2mrZsHfcWzJ5MwUaZhLvBTSkOCjlJ-1stMoOzYacCZ82Wh3T8lI4T0HeaFxePvQOzoSgjUTaH7AN1_THj3QLSkNWRi/s1547/Jack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzJzCy2E5mLKvUwIV-UWJ-J98_AJtc0rarml24H5CHz2mrZsHfcWzJ5MwUaZhLvBTSkOCjlJ-1stMoOzYacCZ82Wh3T8lI4T0HeaFxePvQOzoSgjUTaH7AN1_THj3QLSkNWRi/s320/Jack.jpg" /></a></div><div>14. 2/11/21</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11644096/" target="_blank">What Did Jack Do?</a></i><br />(Netflix)</div><div>Some time ago, our friend (who also happens to be the mastermind behind our 'viewing society') tried to get us to watch this short film made by David Lynch. Now, I know the name David Lynch, and I'm pretty sure that he made <i>Twin Peaks</i>, but having never seen that, I don't have a real sense of what his work is all about. If this short film is indicative of his other work, I now definitively know that I have ZERO desire to watch any of his work at all. This was 17 minutes of my life that I will never get back, and that is a great shame, because those 17 minutes could have been spent watching my fish swim around the aquarium, which would have been infinitely more fun than watching David Lynch engage in the world's most bizarre conversation with a monkey who had DL's own mouth superimposed on his face. Yeah, you read that correctly. This was a big old NOPE for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmos_Laundromat" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1447" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUSNqPMsAwaUT95hPIl9oQiOhO70ex2cePrAJqyhzjkTy0cB7Whv2QKzbe3-yEhjHfOnriui5o6-VZ7EMefP3A7PhvUCT4ykV4e0Zjj9SBjAYYXCbBIq1-1klccnJjpwAuaMU/s320/CosmosLaundromatPoster.jpg" /></a></div><div>13. 2/11/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmos_Laundromat" target="_blank">Cosmos Laundromat</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>At just 12 minutes long, this short introduced the beginning of what seemed to be a compelling story about a suicidal sheep that is given an intervention in the form of a "cosmos laundromat" experience, but right when something would have been revealed, it ends with an indication that there would be more to come in part two. But, tricked ya, part two wasn't meant to be. I'm not sure why, but the project was eventually scrapped, and the result is that I'm left here wondering what was supposed to happen when the depressed sheep's strange, colorful, dryer-like machine's timer went off. Was this a metaphor on mental health treatments? We'll never know, and honestly, I'm disappointed!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Trip_to_the_Moon" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBCaNSbQJmIvDeT6_X3eNdd18AmBI17qeUNV6MBZvwwvBDsOTYhQoXFBn0Qq1R_Vgz0tK-3quRoDFCZCw97LSc0IY0PLxdynovJ4atoMyp1ybZ-QSyaEN_1evNB19dH4oF0UM/s320/moon.jpg" /></a></div><div>12. 2/11/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Trip_to_the_Moon" target="_blank">A Trip to the Moon</a></i></div><div>(YouTube)</div><div>This week's viewing society movie night involved four movie shorts, starting with this 14 minute film from 1902, the earliest science fiction film made. I knew of this film from a side plot in the movie <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_(film)" target="_blank">Hugo</a>, </i>which I highly recommend for fantastic family viewing, and it was fun to see what it really looked like. The version we saw was hand-colored at some point after it was originally created, and that made it even wackier than it would have been in black and white. And wacky it was... definitely a colonialist viewpoint of traveling to a new place and interacting with the native population! This was truly a unique movie viewing experience.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_Not_Guaranteed" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacQWPMr3y9f14szzB1e9f8ZwQzFzI0hR5EIhiq_7j-NiV7AvrafGIvfRnld6oZ_cbh6Xn4_UC6n4L8ADiPqw3nS_3_GZ2qH-K7EDpcx2MhtXZ3lwQUo6BWqYEZyWNq62auNbO/s320/SafetyNotGuaranteed.jpg" /></a></div>11. 2/4/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_Not_Guaranteed" target="_blank">Safety Not Guaranteed</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>This was our "weird" movie for the week, and while I was excited to see it based on the trailer, I was actually disappointed by the end of this roller coaster of a flick. It wasn't "weird" in the same sense as some of the other Athens Viewing Society films. I would say it had more of an indie feel to it, and it started strong. But then it went off the rails with a side story that was misogynistic and left super unresolved, and that screen time was cringingly painful. The main story line was intriguing and fun... until it wasn't. There were some odd puzzle pieces that were never explained, and then came the ending. Jeez, that was fucking lazy. Yeah, this wasn't a win for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11269704/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmhFYVGqlBFOq4PJKC3HkEtltkkpT2d40VBJ7c0kBO1uouHEobSD6UStfSWkTEVnOEba_5rw2FjWwReSNmDQ9ZQRgoVGNYc2RZR_5llirlXpZt3snzSq07TP5Z8uFT5RWhEVE/s320/MV5BYTNiNjQ2NjAtZjRiYy00MjI0LTg5ZjQtY2NhMTJlNjA5ZTdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxODk2OTU%2540._V1_.jpg" /></a></div>10. 2/2/21</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11269704/" target="_blank">Michelle Wolf: Joke Show</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>I needed a distraction to watch during my lunch break, and this fit the bill perfectly. I quite like Wolf's joke construction and delivery, and she isn't afraid to go into dark places... sex... abortion... otter rape. Yeah, that's apparently a thing, and she made me laugh uncomfortably about it. Recommend this for some laughs and to watch how tons of people used to cram into theaters-- sitting right next to fucking strangers-- all in the name of entertainment. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lighthouse_(2019_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mAGiZv7rfmkarlqN6NdWBjfS4AA2OdrXk75apgNvEpwSq_MrKr_ewYTlomR-jPnCkNKAkWH5k27iVOCfjiekdxm-rvnVHLCg50QFFGqQC6NSripTrCBHqEPvgLRI20f2wOih/s320/61zFh8%252BgdrL._AC_SL1075_.jpg" /></a></div>9. 1/28/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lighthouse_(2019_film)" target="_blank">The Lighthouse</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Another wacky movie with my wacky friends, but this time it was one that I suggested. And damn if it wasn't <i>exactly</i> perfect for a weird-ass movie movie night. The just-about square ratio on screen and the fact that it's in black and white were the least strange aspects about this film that explored results of extreme isolation. The performances were beyond fucking stellar-- Dafoe and Pattinson were perfectly bizarre and from what I've read about the filming, they went above and beyond what should be expected of an actor. This was not a lighthearted or fun movie in any way, but I really quite enjoyed the whole presentation of it while trying to figure it out.<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ78Bc8lurKgAeaxYgbzvI0mx8i2dERuWEbptO2EM_HiXoB2wEAlFoo5fhRjbC6cyrhfsvMKRNXbrwlDYrNSUYl_UWDrmnmLg5rB_5z2QTyJq5aEspkyMtCz_69Vne4n3CifTp/s1199/EqROFlTW4AAhDl2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="841" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ78Bc8lurKgAeaxYgbzvI0mx8i2dERuWEbptO2EM_HiXoB2wEAlFoo5fhRjbC6cyrhfsvMKRNXbrwlDYrNSUYl_UWDrmnmLg5rB_5z2QTyJq5aEspkyMtCz_69Vne4n3CifTp/s320/EqROFlTW4AAhDl2.jpg" /></a></div><div>8. 1/26/21</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9711282/" target="_blank">Canvas</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>In just a matter of minutes, this animated short had my tears flowing. What a tender and emotive piece on love and loss, and without any dialogue either! Everything is conveyed through expression and score, and it's really quite beautiful. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Mouth_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1013" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFdvJ29hqAlWxLaGlUF5Ju2_VRN6OmJYCkDDuep8qtPFLgvNu331Dz7ItfHWy9FodZ2s3QLyEwa3sgEEa0niUKGjfU0LjrzBVLZp3VIZx0UOaKnuaOmwGjhSWBuh960Wi1PW8/s320/Big_mouth_season_4_poster.jpg_.jpg" /></a></div><div>7. 1/25/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Mouth_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Big Mouth</a> </i></div><div>(Seasons 1-4, Netflix)</div><div>Okay, so this show didn't start off too well for me... we watched the first episode with friends online, and Hubby was absolutely mortified by the graphic nature of it, since it involved kids, albeit animated ones. I was a little leery of it, but I picked it up again a short time later and binged the rest of it on my own. Damn if it isn't the wackiest combination of scatalogical humor, bizarre animated nudity, and truly spot-on assessments of the hardships of adolescence. I loved it all. There's true brilliance among the cast, and I can't wait for the next season!</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail,_Caesar!" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamaDIk0oV1Bmf5rdJPyudZDitN8grCoEuxBwMhQv-QvryqKdNu-UGNMI6tzN7oByIVErjjtUSA2_qXZsUeY0eZwgC8j8mziGrj3t4WH2i-6d50Qj50lwn5L6IAQZFarL02z2k/s0/HC.webp" /></a></div><div>6. 1/21/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail,_Caesar!" target="_blank">Hail, Caesar!</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Another AVS group watch, and this one was less unconventionally weird, and just plain old Coen Brothers weird. I had thought it came out longer ago than it actually did (2016), and I'm happy that we watched it, because it was visually a ton of fun and the characters were wacky and perfectly performed. There was a lot going on but seemingly, in the end, very little actual plot? I'm not sure what the whole point of the kidnapping was, but in total, I had a grand time watching.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_to_2020" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSu0L1HjbEDAbELWbdsf3gq5T6EUvT22XcKtB6Q_QfU5W7MABUkKNxKBS2DC55CQCCDiUJUWGenIxZirb9eQY3UiS-fpB7BEZJ7lsByNJF4ffdWOH-8vuX00TKd5MxDYiAWeU0/s0/DT2020.jpg" /></a></div><div>5. 1/9/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_to_2020" target="_blank">Death to 2020 </a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Apparently this was widely panned by critics, but I found myself laughing enough to call it entertaining. The stereotypical characters giving their perspectives on the dumpster fire that was 2020 were predictable, but the performances still had me chuckling, especially Leslie Jones' blunt and profane behavioral psychologist. <br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27m_Thinking_of_Ending_Things" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGbPrL2vRwJWKJ82ihhFwEGnqCtyS8A2OF6Y-PmZvr8BuuEwcKK4GBsCtHl2AO-OF8ynpXcT6YDOyvnX-vXYWA3MmwHc3rhJ3g5LwQ2qMUhJUP1lbgk6qX_hk4xz3Q6uklbCk/s0/download.jpg" /></a></div><div>4. 1/7/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27m_Thinking_of_Ending_Things" target="_blank">I'm Thinking of Ending Things</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>A group of friends have begun a "viewing society" in which we will watch weird or artsy flicks, and this was our first group pick. Damn, did it ever live up to the weird status. Charlie Kaufman is the reason for the weirdness. While the vast majority of the group thought this was 134 minutes of sheer torture, I actually kinda loved it. It was so freaking weird and you never knew what was coming next. I wanted to make sense of it all, but I was okay waiting until the adventure was over to try to read whatever I could find on it all. For the time being, I was along for the ride. Apparently, if you're familiar with the musical <i>Oklahoma!</i>, you'll be several steps ahead of me in the understanding of it all. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Marvelous_Mrs._Maisel" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ4dn4lfrVzG-v5UD4uLxSgeyA8lN2tw9w1eSzf-wJJp4wCNNACIdm1TIOYUKvt5r8P-cJauprwGaDemQ78obYOuh4wd8ml5A5BcGFlMLhp-wdAvBzlNdFDFrEn5PJEWen7aP/s0/MMMS3.jpg" /></a></div><div>3. 1/4/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Marvelous_Mrs._Maisel" target="_blank">The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel</a> </i></div><div>(Season 3, Amazon Prime)</div><div>The fact that Hubby and I forgot about this season for a while after it premiered says one thing, then the fact that we actually started it and forgot again says even more. Something changed from the magic of the first season and the charm and humor of the second, and this third season was too full of drawn-out, repetitive jokes and painful dialogue exchanges. I know there's a fourth season in the making now, and I'm sure we'll watch it to see what happens next, but if it's going to keep being like this, I hope they continue with a small number of episodes per season.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvie%27s_Love" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0zL-nm5wSeKZy0v5ptHQin2g4U16utdTXcnQzVg50C42o9lpefM07Ccu-cTIkogEMxXLCdX7KgYMNmWRmGhrex9ESoVSwl7EgGtxrQeYZ2JtlP9U5IOwTegMgDztza2v760D/s320/SL.jpg" /></a></div>2. 1/3/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvie%27s_Love" target="_blank">Sylvie's Love</a> </i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Quiet and lovely, this was a beautiful film about first loves and dreams, and how both can be so elusive to hold on to. I enjoyed the character development here- also quiet and slow, reflective and emotional. There's pain here, inflicted on and by the main characters, and so much a result of the time and place they find themselves in. This was perfect for a Sunday afternoon viewing on my own.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fighting_with_My_Family" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_1uNpELjigQ7CvRjm6OfWirgc5KeU0cjE1l0nDuSzhrgrB2bA4Q6xheXlH-o24N8TW0m-5Wl7HKLFGnGwzI5kn5gSNUBF_MBQhQWWlLqbDk97q3MS_4hIxd5cA68qAtitxqO/s320/FWMF.jpg" /></a></div><div>1. 1/2/21</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fighting_with_My_Family" target="_blank">Fighting with my Family</a> </i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>Woah, what a way to start off a year! When I saw it recommended, someone said that they were surprised that they enjoyed it, and I'm in the very same boat. A movie about a wrestling family? Yeah, not so much in my entertainment wheelhouse, but I actually loved this completely. We watched it with the 13-year-old, who also enjoyed it, so I can even say it's a family-friendly flick for those with young teens!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-47394424561488451922020-12-31T10:28:00.001-05:002020-12-31T10:28:33.108-05:00the year that wasn't / the year that wasAround this time each year, I take multiple sittings to write my year-end post documenting ten highlights of the previous twelve months. It all began in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2007/12/i-do-love-me-good-list.html" target="_blank">2007</a>, when our family became complete with the arrival of our third child. Each year since (<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2008/12/oh-what-year-its-been.html" target="_blank">2008</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2009/12/mandatory-end-of-year-sappy-post.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2010/12/yup-its-another-top-ten.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2011/12/winter-break-blogging-chapter-ten-which.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2012/12/counting-down-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2013/12/where-did-year-go.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2014/12/the-good-the-bad-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2015/12/whered-time-go.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2016/12/these-are-days.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2017/12/counting-em-down.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2018/12/walking-down-2018-memory-lane.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/12/but-weve-wanderd-mony-weary-foot-sin.html" target="_blank">2019</a>), it's been a joyful experience to go through photos and social media posts to find just the right ten bits of happiness-- one for each kid and Hubby, others for family, friends, the pups, and any super-big moments that deserve one more chance to shine in the spotlight. <div><br /></div><div>Then along came 2020.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's an understatement to say that 2020 was a year like no other. I think back to my mindset at this time last year with a chuckle. Awaiting the arrival of a new year has always filled me with excitement and a magical line of thinking that somehow the turn of a calendar page will bring about a kind of practical new beginning. The logical part of my brain knows it's no different than, say, October 2nd ending and October 3rd arriving, but it's the symbolism and tradition of it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>And lord knows, I'm a sucker for tradition. It's basically why I'm sitting here for the 14th year in a row trying to figure out how to capture a year for this virtually untended old hobby of mine. That being said, it just doesn't feel right to follow the same format, for while there still were plenty of moments and experiences that I liked, laughed at, smiled about, or generally remember in a fond way from 2020, I'm thinking this unique year deserves a unique remembrance. Unique for this bloggy space, but totally not unique as a storytelling device, seeing as I completely stole it from one of my 2020 television obsessions. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*****************</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght0tLsIk7Dsp67So2SQMs84PrcXhCBm1UOhMX6RGogv9rpgKuRo65T6XcK_AfWaoJ1gyWH9BA_ete6p2oRYUMdWL5PY61nlUyXOhECoNfTG33qnd3liX9LM9bqOUsW9pOR7NK/s1280/wasn%2527t.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght0tLsIk7Dsp67So2SQMs84PrcXhCBm1UOhMX6RGogv9rpgKuRo65T6XcK_AfWaoJ1gyWH9BA_ete6p2oRYUMdWL5PY61nlUyXOhECoNfTG33qnd3liX9LM9bqOUsW9pOR7NK/w640-h360/wasn%2527t.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a child, my mother would place a cabbage outside on our back step on New Year's Eve. I don't know the origins of this tradition for our family, only the vague declaration that it was "for good luck". In 2019, I was told that there actually <i>is</i> a tradition of kicking a head of cabbage into your home over the threshold on the first day of the year, symbolizing 'green' literally rolling into your home, an idea anyone could get behind. I'm a sucker for traditions, remember, but I'm happy to adjust if I've been doing it wrong all this time. And so, 2020 started off with a non-sporty, middle-aged mom kicking a head of cabbage directly into her house, hoping for a year of prosperity and good luck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our hopes were rewarded with another year of laughter and love, just like always, projectile cabbage or not. The kids stayed on their individual paths of self-discovery, and with three adolescents in the family, it meant sportsballs, schoolwork, practice runs of adulthood, ups and downs of friendships and relationships, and lots of moments too tender for public photographic evidence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year brought more travel than in years past, with two editions of Ladies' Weekends and a four-day Grown-Ups' Weekend getaway on the calendar before the new year even arrived. A couple trips to the beauty of western Maryland <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and most importantly, the halfway point between new home and old home!)</span>, and some time in gorgeous West Virginia, detached from both areas' politics to simply hang with friends was exactly what I needed, spread out throughout the year to always have something to look forward to. Nothing can beat time away with dear friends spent in rental homes grander than our own, with walks in the woods, drink-fueled board games, and the amazing gift of time with no responsibilities. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we're not a family that goes on extravagant vacations, our summers usually include a few regular experiences, and sometimes a few other special trips or weekend getaways. For the trips that happen every year, the planning is not terribly extensive, because we know when we go, where we stay, what we do while we're there, and when we shed some tears and say goodbye. For the special happenings, planning starts months before, and my need for locking down details early means that we have even more time to look forward to the fun. This summer saw us camping with friends and road-tripping back to Maryland for our fifth annual Labor Day Weekend extravaganza-- National Book Festival on Saturday so I can participate in sanctioned author/illustrator stalking, Greenbelt Labor Day Festival on Sunday for some reminiscing in our old hometown, and the entire weekend at our old pals' place where we eat from our fave restaurants <span style="font-size: x-small;">(the GOOD Chinese take-out!)</span> and fall back into our former routines with friends who have known us for seemingly forever. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before all that summer travel, though, we were happy to celebrate two graduations- one from elementary school and one from middle school, as our two younger kids marked these special occasions with pride and happiness to wrap up another school year. Both will be navigating new buildings in the fall, and we'll be starting our last round with a middle schooler!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another happy occasion that we were excited to take part in was my little cousin's wedding. A trip to Connecticut is one helluva drive, but it was worth it to be there watching her marry the man who has brought her so much happiness and love. My family is A LOT, but they're also HOME. To gather together for a joyous occasion was a nice change from last year's two funereal occasions, and I'm beyond thrilled for my cousin's new path. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What is hard to write about in detail because of the just <i>everydayness </i>of it<i> </i>are all the things we did this year that weren't necessarily special, but filled our days with activity and togetherness- watching as the kids served volleyballs, passed basketballs, shot arrows, sold cookies, gave school presentations, and rode the roller coaster of adolescence. Hubby continued reffing through the seasons, and I was thrilled to mark the one-year anniversary at my job, which was especially meaningful in the face of so many university "reorganizations," as they say. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess at the precipice of a new year, I never realistically expect T H E B E S T Y E A R E V E R, but I do anticipate, with a smile on my face, the fun experiences to come, especially the ones that bring us together with the multitudes of amazing loved ones who we're somehow lucky enough to have in our lives. That's how I was as the calendar turned to 2020, and I'm happy to say that for another year, I wasn't disappointed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*****************</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCB-V2l_uUohyphenhyphenIkRqTD90jzFLVZjczOeNPPpb7g4KWs6mHmfFpC2vvk1pcpLcxF1bheC-bnU4nCCN_NivNdrbS3gK3G7XFf6RsnaIiNO5URz25gPm_U3VgrBRhHBY2HYfsdqP/s2048/WAS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCB-V2l_uUohyphenhyphenIkRqTD90jzFLVZjczOeNPPpb7g4KWs6mHmfFpC2vvk1pcpLcxF1bheC-bnU4nCCN_NivNdrbS3gK3G7XFf6RsnaIiNO5URz25gPm_U3VgrBRhHBY2HYfsdqP/w458-h640/WAS.png" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a child, my mother would place a cabbage outside on our back step on New Year's Eve. I don't know the origins of this tradition for our family, only the vague declaration that it was "for good luck". In 2019, I was told that there actually is a tradition of kicking a head of cabbage into your home over the threshold on the first day of the year, symbolizing 'green' literally rolling into your home, an idea anyone could get behind. I'm a sucker for traditions, remember, but I'm happy to adjust if I've been doing it wrong all this time. And so, 2020 started off with a non-sporty, middle-aged mom kicking a head of cabbage directly into her house, hoping for a year of prosperity and good luck.</div><br /><div>That damn ball of greens almost didn't make it in the house, bouncing off the edge of the doorframe and looking like it was coming back at me for a quick second. Cross the threshold it did, though, and I thought we were in the clear. </div><div><br /></div><div><insert maniacal laughter here></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, 2020 was a year. I can't complain too much about it in general, honestly, because it needs to be stated from the get-go that we're swimming in pandemic privilege over here. Hubby already worked from home, and I was able to join him. We didn't suffer any losses in our housing or employment situations. All of our basic needs were met. Everything that I document here is noted with all this in mind. We definitely had changes, but we have been fortunate that none of these changes were life-threatening. </div><div><br /></div><div>The year started off with the kids active and engaged in school and sports-- basketball season was in full-swing for the 8th grader, and the 6th grader's archery season was flying by. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(See what I did there?) </span>Both were having a blast. January through March is a busy time for a Girl Scout and a GS Leader, so that kept us on our toes, too. The kids were having a typical winter, and all was well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBjLDAI-rugcvF90ZbT1-u-FJw5aut9_SRrV66swwbXPzV4B2OsHX_9hLy1r669nAZsKZdv7sTKZvs2wAVh51ad51d3HBh7CUaZyGXCA0aBTAMP6xvlcAZ8YCo4JYcQVkZxoE/s2048/H%2526S.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1644" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBjLDAI-rugcvF90ZbT1-u-FJw5aut9_SRrV66swwbXPzV4B2OsHX_9hLy1r669nAZsKZdv7sTKZvs2wAVh51ad51d3HBh7CUaZyGXCA0aBTAMP6xvlcAZ8YCo4JYcQVkZxoE/w514-h640/H%2526S.png" width="514" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>January and February brought several amazingly fun hangouts with friends-- a Schitt's Creek viewing party complete with brilliant themed decorations made by a super-creative pal, an epic root beer taste test for a bestie's birthday, hosting more Harry Potter trivia nights at our friend's wine bar, an Ohio University basketball group outing, a party to honor the yearly advertising slots during some football game, and a restaurant birthday celebration for a friend with our whole crew in attendance. Little did we know what was on the horizon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T7ZsAOTq1oi6XyAK0cG_xGIHoAGFgMb2njAmF9YTXDjEjvhDlMAdZItu1SSfaAARVb_m41mh8BOHX9C9iEh0uYv8saE9s2yDgzJX96iV6ROljJENqfcpkJLypztLjO6Aho0H/s1242/SC.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T7ZsAOTq1oi6XyAK0cG_xGIHoAGFgMb2njAmF9YTXDjEjvhDlMAdZItu1SSfaAARVb_m41mh8BOHX9C9iEh0uYv8saE9s2yDgzJX96iV6ROljJENqfcpkJLypztLjO6Aho0H/w640-h640/SC.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Living in a university town comes with some major perks, one of them being the opportunity to see touring shows, and we got two in before everything changed this year. <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Color_Purple_(musical)" target="_blank">The Color Purple</a></i> was beyond amazing, and the teen and I took in the beauty that was <i><a href="https://choirofman.com/" target="_blank">The Choir of Man</a>. </i>See what I mean about the *beauty*?? This group of super talented musicians were entertaining AF and we didn't stop laughing and singing the entire time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyPdHuNuz6yHi9IH-NZMerlrC0_vahBmTHewUgKS9Psk4omXMeopQr0CWy642oOhKvFCcZ7wWHxxkVlnDQVK_EZJTcM8g9h1Wd1E59SfGtnSN941DbEN74gt1n4yOeMz1JTB9/s1480/TCoM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1480" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyPdHuNuz6yHi9IH-NZMerlrC0_vahBmTHewUgKS9Psk4omXMeopQr0CWy642oOhKvFCcZ7wWHxxkVlnDQVK_EZJTcM8g9h1Wd1E59SfGtnSN941DbEN74gt1n4yOeMz1JTB9/w640-h362/TCoM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What would have been remembered as just another silly little shopping and taco outing with pals back in early March is now memorialized as several LASTS for 2020-- last time eating in a restaurant <span style="font-size: x-small;">(minus one quick anxiety-filled stop in the fall that I'd rather NOT remember)</span>, last time strolling through a store mask-free having fun, last time simply having an old-normal outing. </div><div><br /></div><div>The very next week saw the coming of what we eventually would call the new-normal. I began my first week of remote working <span style="font-size: x-small;">(the first of 42 weeks so far!)</span>, and we had our very first group video chat in place of hanging out in person. We had our first "socially distanced" walk around the neighborhood with pals, shouting to each other from across a street as we walked together/apart. Front porch visits began here and there, with funny selfies with friends from at least six feet afar. I began to unwillingly grow out a pixie cut, seeing no other option when businesses were closed down, literally the day before my next scheduled appointment. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I think about the next few months, they're a blur of Zoom/Teams/Messenger chats with friends and family both near and far <span style="font-size: x-small;">(because near has become the same as far)</span>, baked goods, puzzles, House Party games, online school disasters, and the beginning of the Ultimate Quest of 2020: Finding the Perfect Mask. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(This one is still on-going, but it took months to find ones that were comfortable!)</span> But those video chats became a life-blood, especially with far-away family, since it was becoming clear that a visit wasn't going to happen. But that doesn't mean that I didn't go back and forth, back and forth, back and freaking forth for weeks and weeks, trying to figure out if we could safely visit my parents. In the end, we opted to wait until safer times... so we had to settle for making similar faces to each other over the interwebs instead of in person for this year. With no trips to CT, it meant watching my cousin's wedding over YouTube, another reason to be thankful for technology this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpEEZGGrXELUiH67PqG1eL22V3TeVnncnU2j9JvKS6x7vIX7TYAZ_TXjb-QE69d44O6BWuWCNCvDii7gMZLkhoZyfqOPO7LwSyqwjgBGyG4PseAB5Dj7Z_7_w3jNDW_OkCTOQ/s1192/M%2526D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="1192" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpEEZGGrXELUiH67PqG1eL22V3TeVnncnU2j9JvKS6x7vIX7TYAZ_TXjb-QE69d44O6BWuWCNCvDii7gMZLkhoZyfqOPO7LwSyqwjgBGyG4PseAB5Dj7Z_7_w3jNDW_OkCTOQ/w640-h244/M%2526D.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Thus began our year of staying home. Trips were canceled, and tears were shed. Sure, they were only short weekends away, but those losses hit me hard. For a while, it felt like all I could focus on-- all the things that were <i>supposed </i>to be happening, but weren't going to happen at all. As the weird last quarter of the kids' school year fizzled out, class trips were canceled, ceremonies were canceled, any social activities were canceled. We tried to make up in any way possible, including a Zoom graduation, just to bring a smile to the kids' faces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE75PAxdX8aZLkb2Ttade9kJE37w6p4RFStl4J8HqiBZbwSm5slh1kfaR9deVaYHPpwSshUgTv_WwvEJMn1fD7-4kyMUmFotgGl0bds0C5qD000pinyri1vmb1xDB_8i_AExW/s768/grad.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="435" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE75PAxdX8aZLkb2Ttade9kJE37w6p4RFStl4J8HqiBZbwSm5slh1kfaR9deVaYHPpwSshUgTv_WwvEJMn1fD7-4kyMUmFotgGl0bds0C5qD000pinyri1vmb1xDB_8i_AExW/w362-h640/grad.png" width="362" /></a></div><br /><div>Oh, those kids. To be an adolescent in 2020 was tough enough, and this year brought even more turbulence for our three. The details don't belong in this space, but when I look back over the last twelve months, it's amazing to me how very much they've each gone through and continue to deal with. They might each give a different assessment of the last year, but I can say that I am proud of all of their strengths. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyTUVuSYmd0xge2vy40E8sW9r5rVZNvoAN646MaNxEn-IeufFpnczon4mEOZw9dCH8_OoKZWDnIg_McR0pt5Ny2tlwmUBFXr1KfiI8F_zCd-I00I3IrAWTbFxszTHKqgNAZw2/s715/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="435" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyTUVuSYmd0xge2vy40E8sW9r5rVZNvoAN646MaNxEn-IeufFpnczon4mEOZw9dCH8_OoKZWDnIg_McR0pt5Ny2tlwmUBFXr1KfiI8F_zCd-I00I3IrAWTbFxszTHKqgNAZw2/w390-h640/3.png" width="390" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even though this was a pandemic year, our family did take some measured risks to be a part of local protests throughout the summer, as just one way to show our support for the <a href="https://blacklivesmatter.com/" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter</a> movement. We made signs, we stood among other supporters, and we listened. Many of these protests were organized by young people of color, and it was important that we be there to listen to their cries for justice and support.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8EADmLkfwi0JK7LdIKSW3qVibQR57fUYl8MuXS-sjCQh4EJ9ZkaqmcU1VZJlVLvRbAmRHyK2IkWEwge8XHhP5P-blv-Kd9tzFBwQwu2KuoHgY67qsqwE7v_d9weMGVMyyc3Q/s1200/protest.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8EADmLkfwi0JK7LdIKSW3qVibQR57fUYl8MuXS-sjCQh4EJ9ZkaqmcU1VZJlVLvRbAmRHyK2IkWEwge8XHhP5P-blv-Kd9tzFBwQwu2KuoHgY67qsqwE7v_d9weMGVMyyc3Q/w640-h640/protest.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Now, the traditional format of this post would have had me doing a sort of countdown of the year's highlights, and in thinking about putting it together, I thought there was no way I would have enough content in experiences and photos to make a meaningful piece, because #2020. But then I began to scroll through the photos and realized that while we kept socially distanced and stayed home for much of the year, we actually found lots of ways to do fun things outdoors with friends at a safe distance. We discovered that both backyard fires and camping trips are pandemic-friendly ways to get together, and we made the most of the fair weather this year. Who would have predicted that sleeping in tents in November would be feasible and not terribly uncomfortable? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Oh! And bonus of being all together for a camping weekend when the Associated Press called the election, on my birthday, no less!!)</span> We even managed to fit in TWO days on a pontoon boat with pals, giving each family one side of the boat and plenty of space to move around in a lake. A walk in the woods has now become a perfect opportunity for a masked face-to-masked face conversation, and as much as I love sitting down, I'm all for a walk now just to see a friend in person. All I know is that I wouldn't have made it through this year without our amazing squad. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsLp0sbBsewGHrH2HZhTqNfE9WfsX4RjZi_HFqMTG79eE8e3EmDleaMJ96w1nbHsO4sgE_wxK00qigTGE1opI4EObRL5tDK6DQQUjet0_5mjIWwRdiDQzI9p1zo4H6FldeGe1/s1699/pride.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1699" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsLp0sbBsewGHrH2HZhTqNfE9WfsX4RjZi_HFqMTG79eE8e3EmDleaMJ96w1nbHsO4sgE_wxK00qigTGE1opI4EObRL5tDK6DQQUjet0_5mjIWwRdiDQzI9p1zo4H6FldeGe1/w640-h242/pride.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ0CiIuTsOiZdYfJQtsaVz3KQOtgP8_1YhYXfk7-JSMqpvlXsaiFgWGO4BuyDMd-UtRz6T6ROC8NlsX_0PclHGBu-PadTZCE3dOrw_7X9RQVLTEaW7TIS8TaSglOze7pGLYWm/s1673/friends.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1673" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ0CiIuTsOiZdYfJQtsaVz3KQOtgP8_1YhYXfk7-JSMqpvlXsaiFgWGO4BuyDMd-UtRz6T6ROC8NlsX_0PclHGBu-PadTZCE3dOrw_7X9RQVLTEaW7TIS8TaSglOze7pGLYWm/w640-h354/friends.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh6L-aZPDy7ikFRuNy7y0MsHKRHZ_hztvMhtQYKVQL6cZkwHF01InMz7g82A75JITFBBYntRRXnZ6SdutmUbUXfGuaVII0QY8XtbBo4Sg4k3fUfZnwtj8YUFXkN-8vekU-htf/s1165/friends2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="1165" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh6L-aZPDy7ikFRuNy7y0MsHKRHZ_hztvMhtQYKVQL6cZkwHF01InMz7g82A75JITFBBYntRRXnZ6SdutmUbUXfGuaVII0QY8XtbBo4Sg4k3fUfZnwtj8YUFXkN-8vekU-htf/w640-h154/friends2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>For as much as the world burned in 2020, I can selfishly look back and be thankful for the slower pace our family's life took starting in March. As our dry erase calendar had fewer and fewer entries, it translated to less time running from here to there and more time spent together. Sure, that could get tiring after a while-- and there were some tough moments this year-- but looking back, it's clear that many of our family experiences were the result of being forced to slow down and make the most of what we could do. Remarkably, we found plenty of things to do both at home and out in nature, where we didn't sacrifice any of our pandemic precautions. Walks in parks, walks in the neighborhood, walks by creeks, so many walks. Board games and movies and binge-watching TV. Family dinners, increasingly in front of the television, with <i>Jeopardy! </i>on the screen if it's my pick. Drive-in movie experiences. Five birthdays celebrated in this new-normal. Holidays at home, just the five of us with our trusty canine companions. Looking through photos, it's pretty amazing seeing everything that we did manage to fit into a pandemic year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CddTH7JJTtSQXQ0Kmvvd_tr17ko6ffaiNolTTL59I7ApMDrDDzbHGBPnnnKtamflBtTeVJwPv6jYf-73BOr9uu7_QeqDOqn7v9WkHnNCRw0qdJPJXk1RhJyfiLKrZW0ZbrAm/s2048/family1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CddTH7JJTtSQXQ0Kmvvd_tr17ko6ffaiNolTTL59I7ApMDrDDzbHGBPnnnKtamflBtTeVJwPv6jYf-73BOr9uu7_QeqDOqn7v9WkHnNCRw0qdJPJXk1RhJyfiLKrZW0ZbrAm/w512-h640/family1.png" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOfgVuXLdMUjYipMJ6pbf35GNGj55HRkzWXGucz3QhhBrX3lWDmrk3LfKfETpdQsIV2QswiorNB1Mi5kmAZlfYUzw0XpL8f24jfbQ3dxgmemMrL2sDR_LxVc_i9uh7-EX0Tgl/s2048/family2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOfgVuXLdMUjYipMJ6pbf35GNGj55HRkzWXGucz3QhhBrX3lWDmrk3LfKfETpdQsIV2QswiorNB1Mi5kmAZlfYUzw0XpL8f24jfbQ3dxgmemMrL2sDR_LxVc_i9uh7-EX0Tgl/w512-h640/family2.png" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuYPA1vgbhIeDy0BKrQ9sLxQhoRu_oiI8Oq2mef-MsJZ1AZfTzHWGdOOlrZU-m3vzjttlshy4gBJFQ0Q3QLc3Pl8G76oaagWZ5IVs9ROPbTXpkHzUSFJ9rF3hdKAm6PaRAU3C/s2048/family3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuYPA1vgbhIeDy0BKrQ9sLxQhoRu_oiI8Oq2mef-MsJZ1AZfTzHWGdOOlrZU-m3vzjttlshy4gBJFQ0Q3QLc3Pl8G76oaagWZ5IVs9ROPbTXpkHzUSFJ9rF3hdKAm6PaRAU3C/w512-h640/family3.png" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AHVu7rjhRynA9NH8LfPUY2eVgw6-2f7Filbge8U6tejSmcXynV8wn6tFOE3Zu6K2d1IqgZs51QFhXg0x1pZX9U2kRoNZ9st9D7MeJqr3HWFUV8q57Bgljf62TmAHQug-4nK1/s2048/family4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AHVu7rjhRynA9NH8LfPUY2eVgw6-2f7Filbge8U6tejSmcXynV8wn6tFOE3Zu6K2d1IqgZs51QFhXg0x1pZX9U2kRoNZ9st9D7MeJqr3HWFUV8q57Bgljf62TmAHQug-4nK1/w512-h640/family4.png" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div>Even with all that said and shown, there still needs to be an honorable mentions list of memories, too:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>watching a mourning dove couple hatch and raise one squab and stick around for weeks</li><li>witnessing a house finch family for a few short weeks until the babies fledged and they all moved on</li><li>several Steven Page "Live at Home" streaming concerts</li><li>experiencing <i>Hamilton</i> at home with the whole family and having emotions pour out of my face all over again</li><li>acquiring a 30-gallon fish tank and watching as Hubby created a beautiful aquatic world in our living room, especially entertaining to Minny who hasn't given up on trying to eat the fish</li><li>hand-writing 200 postcards to Florida voters encouraging them to get to the polls</li><li>attending the National Book Festival from my home desk</li><li>binge-watching SO MUCH TELEVISION and loving every minute of it-- <i>Schitt's Creek, Umbrella Academy, </i>and <i>Derry Girls </i>are all pure magic and gifts from the gods</li><li>a one-night getaway with Hubby, just the two of us staying in a hotel room, eating take-out after hiking through the New River Gorge park</li></ul></div><div><div><div>Seriously, this year was unlike any other, and I could write volumes about the anxiety and fear that I've experienced in unprecedented amounts these last 9 months. Our family has struggled with a lot this year, too, and I'm grateful that therapy easily transitions to a virtual environment. Even if we're all Zoomed out and wishing we could be sitting in friends' and families' living rooms for hangouts, how freaking lucky are we to have the technology that allowed for so much connection at a time when that was needed more than ever? </div><div><br /></div><div>We may be giddily bidding 2020 a not-terribly-fond farewell with all our hope invested in 2021, but the truth is that not much is going to change for a while. Maybe our crew will receive covid-19 vaccines in 2021, but we're all so far down the priority list that I'm not holding my breath for it to happen anytime soon. Until then, we'll keep our masks on and our asses at home <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or in the woods when the weather allows!)</span>, and if only more people would do the same, maybe 2021 can truly become the year of a return to something like the old-normal. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's to new beginnings, symbolic as they may be. We're still here, and that's a lot to say at the end of 2020.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Title inspiration: Umbrella Academy, Season 1, Episode 6, "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2764062923604641" target="_blank">The Day That Wasn't</a>"</i></b><br /> <br />
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div></div></div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-54664751990943224152020-05-25T21:01:00.001-04:002020-05-25T21:01:39.108-04:00everybody is together but in isolation<br />
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<i>"We're all in this together."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
That has been a recurring tagline for our state's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and all these weeks later, I still go back and forth on its relevancy. Applied broadly, especially when one gets into the muck of reader comments on social media, it's a bunch of bunk, because clearly, there are many, many folks who are not in this with me. The people who haven't changed any of their social habits or think wearing a mask is a 'sign of weakness' are obviously not in this with me. Those who truly believe the entire pandemic is a planned hoax, some kind of attempt at world domination or something that is so beyond reason I can't even sum it up in a quick soundbite, are not bearing any of the burden that must be shared for the whole to see any chance at control of this virus.<br />
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Ironically enough, those who are in this together are the very ones who are apart.<br />
<br />
We have a lovely group of friends in our town with whom we'd hang out regularly, meeting up at another dear friend's wine bar in the evening or hanging out on a Friday night doing nothing more than chatting and maybe playing a game together. I'm fortunate enough to work with several folks from this group, so I have the added bonus of seeing them regularly during the week, as well. But now we're together only in the sense that we're all staying far away from each other and everyone else.<br />
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It's been ten weeks since everything shifted here. My kids started spring break and my husband went away for the week for a work trip. I continued to work most of the week, minus a trip to IKEA with friends. It was the beginning of our sense of the virus inching closer. One friend refused to touch door knobs and cart handles, and I giggled at his extra caution. We ate at my favorite taco restaurant in the 'big city', and we were surrounded by loads of people out on a beautiful day shopping and playing the role of the American consumer that we all perform so well.<br />
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I think back to that day as the last time it felt normal to be out in public. That was 3/9/20, eleven weeks ago today.<br />
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In the time since, we've grown accustomed to working from home, doing something called school from home <span style="font-size: x-small;">(that was little more than random assignments and busy work that may or may not have meant much of anything, more likely the latter)</span>, and living 99.9% of our lives at home. We have a dry erase calendar on our fridge on which individual family members' activities get recorded, each in its own color for easy reference. When I first wiped the second half of March clean from the board and replaced those canceled activities and experiences with STAYING AT HOME, I thought it was mildly funny. A brief break from the norm. In a way, a kind of blessing, for those weeks would have been as busy as usual, and now we had an excuse to take it easy for a little while. Things were canceled until the first of April, and I imagined I'd be back to filling up the next month's schedule as usual.<br />
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Then they were canceled again until mid-April. Then maybe they'd be reconsidered at the end of April. Then indefinitely.<br />
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All the while since, I've been reminding myself that we are beyond lucky in this wild time. We have a home with space and resources for each of us to be comfortable and able to do what is required of us without having to leave the added safety it now provides. We have food, water, and supplies. We have the ability to go for walks without being crowded by others, when it gets to be too much to stay inside. We have each other.<br />
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We're in this together.<br />
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How could I let such a remarkable time in our lifetime go by without some kind of acknowledgement here, even if this hasn't been such an accurate recording of our lives in the last few years? And in this space, I do love a good acronym, so here we go. When we look back at this time in our family's life, we could think about some of the specific PUPs and DOGs that we experienced.<br />
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<h4>
Plans UnPlanned</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>archery tournaments</li>
<li>basketball team banquet </li>
<li>track practices and meets</li>
<li>3 book club meetings, and counting</li>
<li>spring installment of Ladies' Weekend</li>
<li>final Girl Scout meetings before our troop dissolves</li>
<li>8th grade class trip to Washington, DC</li>
<li>6th grade class trip to King's Island</li>
<li>6th and 8th grade graduation ceremonies</li>
<li>2 haircuts <span style="font-size: x-small;">(meaning a stay-at-home order became a grow-out-your-pixie order, as well)</span></li>
<li>basketball training camps for the hubby</li>
<li>yearly Grown-Ups Weekend getaway</li>
</ul>
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I'm sure there were other things that I'm missing now, as I literally deleted all the things from our calendar that we were going to miss. It was too sad to see them sitting on there knowing that they were forever stuck in the idea stage, never to be actually experienced. </div>
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<div>
Even knowing that we haven't suffered in any way during this pandemic beyond the cancellation of plans doesn't erase the disappointment that was still very real. People who worked on the front lines fighting this virus and those who lost their lives or their loved ones to it have pain that I'll never know, and nothing that I say here is meant to even compare in the slightest. But, the point of this space has always been to serve as a record of our family's life, along with my own mindset. And honestly, this level of isolation has been challenging for my mental health. I miss all the regular daily things just as much as all those experiences we had planned. This hasn't been easy, even though our difficulties haven't compared with others'. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We're all in this together, right? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
In an attempt to remember that this time in our family's life also came with bright spots, to balance out the PUPs, we also had these DOGs.<br /><br /><h4>
Different Opportunities Gained</h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>daily family walks around the neighborhood</li>
<li>dinners together at a reasonable hour instead of rushed between practices or games</li>
<li>seeing Hubby at random points during the work day</li>
<li>delivering in-person midday rants to my husband about work wackiness</li>
<li>connecting with faraway friends virtually</li>
<li>celebrating several family birthdays with my parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins through the magic of Zoom </li>
<li>learning all about new apps to play games with pals from our own separate living rooms</li>
<li>midweek banana bread baking by the kids</li>
<li>work day lunch breaks that include reading in bed while snuggled up with one or both dogs</li>
<li>receiving mail from friends-- like actual paper cards</li>
<li>dropping off treats to friends' porches in a quest to bring them a smile, and receiving lovely surprises, too</li>
<li>learning to not care too much about my multiple chins during a video chat because my friends don't give a crap, so why should I?</li>
<li>having a virtual graduation that included more family and friends than a school ceremony would have</li>
<li>acting as a lending library for a friend's adorable kids, selecting books that I think her adorable preschooler would enjoy and waiting excitedly for feedback about the choices</li>
<li>streaming a live concert by Steven Page in my own living room <span style="font-size: x-small;">(with more to come!)</span></li>
</ul>
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<div>
This list is likely incomplete, as well, as there are all the small things that we've begun to take for granted in this new way of life. I don't know how long this will continue, and we're even starting to do a little bit more out of the house, in small increments. I went into a store for the first time earlier this month to get some teenager birthday supplies, and we've gone to the local garden supply place a couple times. Even if I stay outside looking at their plants and trees out there for 95% of the time, it still is an outing, especially if one of their cats is around to pet. Today saw us heading to a state park for a picnic dinner and some outdoor archery shooting, though this public outing didn't see us crossing paths with anyone else, thankfully. This weekend, we even sat by a fire with friends, in a BYOE<span style="font-size: x-small;">(verything)</span> kind of hang out, staying more like 18 feet apart and just chatting into the evening. A new chapter in the story of friendship. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The future is uncertain. Will upcoming plans become unplanned-- a yearly trek back to MD in early September, a wedding in CT in mid-September, a friend gathering in early October? Will we be able to have any backyard BBQs? Will our kids get to see other kids at any point this summer? What will school look like as the kids start their first years in middle and high school in August? I don't do well without plans to look forward to and even small things to see marked ahead on the calendar. I'm missing so much, and I'm not confident that anything will be back to what we knew as normal any time soon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I guess we'll just have to keep being in this together. Apart, together. </div>
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<b><i>Title inspiration: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_5btYYCTaI" target="_blank">Isolation</a>" by Steven Page, a song written and recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic</i></b><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j_5btYYCTaI" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-64284680811862230202020-01-02T16:43:00.028-05:002021-01-01T12:18:07.375-05:00viewing reviews 2020<br />
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While some may think my list-keeping to be a strange obsession, it does actually bring me happiness, and I like knowing that I have these little snapshots into what I was watching and thinking, especially now as there is just SO. MUCH. GOOD. STUFF. TO. WATCH. Seriously, with network television still producing some solid hits and Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix getting in on the business, there are too many series to keep up with, but I do have my faves that I don't want to miss. And even if I don't get to the theater terribly often, there are always some movies that I know I want to see on the big screen. <br />
<br />
You can see where I've cataloged all the movies I watched starting in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2009/01/movie-reviews-2009.html" target="_blank">2009</a> and continued through <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2010/01/movie-reviews-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2011/01/movie-reviews-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2012/01/movie-reviews-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2013/01/movie-reviews-2013.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2014/01/movie-reviews-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2015/01/movie-reviews-2015.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2016/01/movie-reviews-2016.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2017/01/movie-reviews-2017.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2018/01/movie-reviews-2018.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, and in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/01/viewing-reviews-2019.html" target="_blank">2019</a>, I added in series that I've watched as well! What will 2020 bring in the form of screen time? I can't wait to see!<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13321268/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4-fukyPKODx9HKEIwXThe79dODmVHo-l5Pcu0IdE0iSXhMPF-x4tSke0lMr9ShQ36BHbrWtRc3D_9dmnERzsj81IJjVtco1se4ialeup9cYULE-lgoT50VK7AiRza1ahC5Mc/w168-h291/YD.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>73. 12/31/20</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13321268/" target="_blank">Yearly Departed</a> </i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>The best final show to watch in the waning hours of 2020, especially after a couple drinks. I loved the individual comedic voices here, and how they all played off each other, even if you wouldn't think them similar in style. Yay for a bunch of bad-ass women coming together to make us laugh away a year like no other. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Gadsby:_Douglas" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="166" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFsVGd7QMzIsppRarKaHcz1tNKdoUEmz4MmtKvQDVhCQWbAzk7AF1-4x-p6OI9qTH5tMI_r8eWIGl18E6MVq8XPoa33hzLyTp0pvKmq67d9tikf65YHAupS62yXaL5NyyotLY/w202-h283/Hannah_Gadsby_-_Douglas_-_Poster.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><div>72. 12/28/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Gadsby:_Douglas" target="_blank">Hannah Gadsby: Douglas</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>I don't know why I waited this long to finally watch this special, but today, this was just what I needed. Goddamn, Gadsby is beyond brilliant. This entire show is so perfectly orchestrated, from her table-of-contents-like introduction to the numerous, perfectly placed call-backs. I am so thankful to have Gadsby's voice in our world.<br /><div><i> </i> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQBDuNRSHCXOwSQBMKX2KQmVzAl-2cz8IebaYOurBcz3wSw1X0LFkbaudJMce_PJYPuq9gB_j8iNHpv5bz5HWOXl8SU9IUeSlt3U9tQzdH_QHnt1tjADd94JY3uJaeYyehyphenhyphenJ_/s320/MV5BMGZkMWQ2MzMtYTkxYS00OThmLWI0ZTQtNmY0ZTkyY2E4MjliXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI%2540._V1_.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>71. 12/22/20<br /><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation" target="_blank">National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation</a></i><br />(DVD)</div><div>It's ridiculous as hell, and it feels like we just watched it yesterday, but it's TRADITION. This year only the oldest and youngest joined in for this viewing, but we all laughed as much as always. It's just not Xmas without Clark and crew. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prom_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5GDlo9zHgBIfM2e71CpMVVJikxTDyGgMpVlt3MamVkqlTOqmc-C95nCFVLPeYfcF6TCATco5fmkEL3T4XwR9wTk6G6JptATcQl3amTOnNtqwAPWP67-wGox93k38aZMjHQq9/s320/the-prom-poster.jpg" /></a></div><br />70. 12/20/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prom_(film)" target="_blank">The Prom</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Well, this was terrific. This was also terrible. This was a major case of both/and, as it were. I'm so glad to have another gay protagonist (but, also, another White and thin and conventionally attractive protagonist, of course... sigh) in a film for my kids to see out there, even if one kid didn't want to watch it and the other peaced out and played on her phone after realizing it was a musical (not her fave) and only occasionally looked up. Anyway, I both enjoyed it, tapping my feet to some of the songs and feeling the warm fuzzies at various happy outcomes, while I also was disappointed by it, rolling my eyes at some of the tropes and casting. Just another reason to say, #Thanks2020. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Black_Mirror_episodes#Series_5_(2019)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7NIBIWsutvNhL3-AQyfG85icIGoquITX3SpAu-wMRukTkVBO_q4-r8Wx38Np5yu9TbikOZeFD7Zft3qvTy3EAU0bpojAda4sgjIo2DgM_EDKd6H1DjXvZlFZsCv__4DqT0PT/s0/BMS5.jpg" /></a></div><br />69. 12/19/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Black_Mirror_episodes#Series_5_(2019)" target="_blank">Black Mirror</a></i></div><div>(Netflix, Season 5)</div><div>Somehow, I didn't watch the latest season of this wild-ride-of-a-show when it came out last year, and at only three episodes, it wasn't a big commitment of time or energy, yet it was still months in-between me watching the first episode and the other two. I don't know why I waited, but I was just as pleased as always with the product. These were less focused on a time in some indeterminate future and stayed close to character development and explorations of morality. I loved every minute of them, and the performances were impressive. I might actually be able to get Hubby to watch this season, as the 'scary' factor isn't as outrageous as some others.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiest_Season" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIZkc90byv87kkZXmq74KNxmytt7ssSjbHmiBenkyoU5eWUw9jcF8OscdroDgc4HyYPWh4Hi49YovOEtceCTLPfHkXKte3SvNa6pPwA7mTtITOXkpNCeA_2V7qh9DHeEpi_Yw/s320/happiest-season-movie-poster.jpg" /></a></div>68. 11/27/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiest_Season" target="_blank">Happiest Season</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>Wow, this one was delightfully terrible. How in the world several quality actors signed up for this drivel is beyond me. Dan Levy?? Seriously? There were a few points in the movie where I was convinced that the plot would go in a nontraditional way and the whole thing might be salvaged, but nope. This was what I imagine those holiday Lifetime movies are like, just with higher list actors. There wasn't even the level of character redemption that I expect from this type of movie, which was a bit stomach-turning, actually. I watched this with pals in a pandemic-friendly outdoor viewing setup, and the trash-talking we engaged in was the best part of the experience.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1brHeQ1_vStEFxBtFq0HK4XEjK_LCL_1dFeBRAa1QYUeiShKt1-4LyskTm00V1qgLpZJNZBo0xZDc8x7IyHm4icrvBosAq_tF0cUkBKv7-Al5gK1iOQ7oPQWWNn6UhLst1D6/s320/DG.jpg" /></a></div>67. 11/25/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls" target="_blank">Derry Girls</a></i></div><div>(Netflix, Seasons 1 & 2)</div><div>I adored every fecking thing about this series, other than the fact that each season is only 6 episodes long! While I don't know much at all about the conflicts in Ireland, there is a universality to adolescence that shone through. These actors each are hilariously talented, and I laughed more watching this than anything in a long while. I want to go back and watch the episodes again, because I know that I missed some things while I was cackling. I'm happy to know that there will eventually be more episodes to come!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes,_God,_Yes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="809" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_swHabcJBTf7yPnidz3qWBvbpK8CzXmXJIi6azP415yXejG5Hj9Crbe3L5lAHKKumaL7EqYDUJkCnnEl2uiB7y-ZmuMkeqc6I5sL-YqiI-RNn2wgvRDqtiiIuifLwoBtJcFoA/s320/Yes_God_Yes-719620917-large.jpg" /></a></div>66. 11/24/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes,_God,_Yes" target="_blank">Yes, God, Yes</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>No, Jesus, No. This was a pretty awful movie from start to finish. It had a fairly solid base, too, so it's a shame that the filmmakers couldn't put together a flick with some more substance. I love the idea of exploring a young person's reckoning with normal adolescent experiences in the context of oppressive and outdated religious expectations, but this felt shallow and ultimately fell flat for me.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Queen%27s_Gambit_(miniseries)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dzrT77ISkhgDfRinJ5M9YW0kb9MPeAFUhy3wkjwNG6x9Nc4H6NbQU342ytVHKJEAxJxMEfNk8V8uh-EO28Y-scpmrMDww-eIbfD1jWASVEIQByYgsLH-PYXjD3KVdu9s_25A/s320/tqg.jpg" /></a></div><br />65. 11/23/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Queen%27s_Gambit_(miniseries)" target="_blank">The Queen's Gambit</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)<br /><div>This mini-series of 7 episodes was a HUGE hit... for everyone but me. Yes, I know it's almost universally praised as brilliant and mesmerizing, and I was bored AF. I couldn't understand at all why people were drawn to her as an adult, when it was clear that any relationship with her would be completely one-sided. Her childhood trauma was heartbreaking, yes. She is brilliant and an absolute prodigy at chess, yes. But she treats others like shit, kinda how she treats herself. Her self-destruction was not entertaining to me, and the rest of it was boring beyond belief. I was so disappointed to be so out of the majority opinion on this one. I wanted to like it, and I got excited in the end of the 6th episode that a character would make things interesting, when she only came back to be another person routing for (and significantly assisting) Beth after Beth not having seemingly thought of her once in all the years that had passed. Ugh. Big old miss for me. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_Out_(2015_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NPS4IVVNYHAYV7Oo7I_FWOa_ocRNcDiL4GabBuXemnIjApnrpjSfWV57pBh4qrQoYP4DixkCwgMiNQWFZgMib7JszxREdF42C0RGAgRNgYWSWcJPzM6rDrwr1w0u5RUE5wWJ/s320/IO.jpg" /></a></div>64. 11/22/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_Out_(2015_film)" target="_blank">Inside Out</a></i></div><div>(Disney+)</div><div>While I have issues with the way stereotypical gender norms relating to emotions that are portrayed in this flick, there's no denying it tugs at the heartstrings. Our youngest is going through so much, and emotionally she is all over the place at all times. She watched with Hubby and me, and I hope she had some joy-- and allowed some space for sadness, too-- in the process.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https:/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows_%E2%80%93_Part_2/1.bp.blogspot.com/-eehRupkZGXg/X7shf_hfbJI/AAAAAAABls4/Jy4wEpB6HwIOrwd5Dk_q1FQx6ALqquB_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/HP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajhyphenhyphenU8jgrQOXiEysA8YLL0xrrMLNB4Oh2TtIYY04lyV1x-aGIMTOZMlQZL3CmWS24BtEbXTHLDy4rO5WGQATXasDShUcZkPMBaAqHdgFvMmgC5Kmmt4qxlWPUysoX_XzP_EIe/s320/HP.jpg" /></a></div>63. 11/21/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows_%E2%80%93_Part_2" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2</a></i></div><div>(DVD)</div><div>Yes, I've watched this before... pretty sure at the theater when it came out. Did I remember much of anything? Nope. But, for the youngest who said we never got around to watching this adaptation after she was done reading the series, it was a fun experience and I'm glad we watched together.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12509942/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL5vP2rAXaFGkKeaUU4bXU4sbJ-iHrTmOJCK77rXvTG8Vz6FhzDynkOsB5tp9DSdWMASbQ2yWQfHq9Ixr-9rR3o8R4kEO6vBuGqAxXVJnn8qPiZisbed4Xac83WHSoYuTuwi7/w207-h305/WTB.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div>62. 11/21/20</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12509942/" target="_blank">Welcome to Buteaupia</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>Michelle Buteau consistently cracks me up, and I was there for this special. She is indefatigable and her comedy- she never slows down, she always reacts to her own jokes, and she engages with the audience in a delightfully warm way, even when it's clear she's teasing them. She looks like she's having a fucking blast when she's on stage, and that makes me enjoy the show even more. This was a lovely escape from the realities of 2020.</div><div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfpmBvoisNKcMHj34m3COtdOTQVkAIQQnqOVVHuoudi4h-ZXdJ8Gvz0uhZnmaDLYnfvrLYjoG3zXdZ8BSwEJk8dVf0mgcBwhvk4Sivy01wRIGsAvNec55_YKgKCdGRvQNWfG5/s741/DP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfpmBvoisNKcMHj34m3COtdOTQVkAIQQnqOVVHuoudi4h-ZXdJ8Gvz0uhZnmaDLYnfvrLYjoG3zXdZ8BSwEJk8dVf0mgcBwhvk4Sivy01wRIGsAvNec55_YKgKCdGRvQNWfG5/s320/DP.jpg" /></a></div>61. 11/14/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Phoenix_(film)" target="_blank">X-Men: Dark Phoenix</a></i></div><div>(DVD)</div><div>When it's your kid's birthday and she wants to watch a movie she absolutely adored when she saw it in the theater the year before, you go ahead and buy the DVD and watch it with her even if it's 114 minutes of painful 'acting,' absolute ridiculousness, and plot holes galore. That's about it.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_News" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2l4GBn3Wo2kzbA11V1DQhyphenhyphen6VCR4l1ACl8v_iqNcDQNlK1nq5wwXYGulFf-Lfgqe5QmsvcKHg98PlPsaBdhKW_vOC4Kv6DP4Vo3R_idbZgRo7aggJPwRN_Pj0J7e-E0YkovE6/s320/GN.jpg" /></a></div>60. 11/12/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_News" target="_blank">Great News</a></i></div><div>(Netflix, Seasons 1 & 2)</div><div>For the whole first season, this show was anything but great news. Why did I keep watching, you ask? Pandemic boredom, I guess? Who knows, but it was easy to just let the next episode play while I continued to wash dishes or fold laundry or eat another godforsaken snack. There were glimmers of humor here and there, so I watched season two, and there were some improvements... or I got worn down? There were little spots that were reminiscent of the wackiness of <i>30 Rock</i>, and other parts reminded me of <i>Crazy Ex-Girlfriend</i>, but ultimately, it was pretty forgettable and since it was canceled after two seasons, that was a wrap.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Scissorhands" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="431" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36LsmGa0aRgbVFdoRIDE_QNUNH-4K8jJIBGkbOJZ35EdcdVo_BjyL7wtWGvyFBof5950WMtYkCOTjloePIvHxkhgSXGPy1JsmS8hsjFtZ0eT0nA3hrd9zdMYxapWrSKroYNeR/s320/ES.jpg" /></a></div><div>59. 10/31/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Scissorhands" target="_blank">Edward Scissorhands</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>I'm not sure the last time I saw this movie, but it might have been the full THIRTY years since it first came out! We watched it with the kids... well, most of the kids. The oldest popped out after a bit, the middle one got on her phone after a while, and the youngest played with the dog a bit, but I think they each got the gist of it. I, however, was delighted with its wackiness and pure Tim Burton ridiculousness. Not exactly Halloween fare, but close enough. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shameless_(season_10)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmNJcYws7A7T4Er4LWGjdZ50Cnd1sTxe3uGADaVKTQ5oJw4cMgeAQ5-iFqhw3TXumfZWhrtbXnKcnQomHQXGxxSfT65kcEiz0GDgLva6ivu_z7jHGc0-wSeQv4qAEizNL9xzj/s320/Shameless_season_10.jpg" /></a></div>58. 10/28/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shameless_(season_10)" target="_blank">Shameless</a></i></div><div>(Netflix, Season 10)</div><div>Another season with the Gallaghers and their motley crew. Ugh. I can't think of another show that I love/hate as much as this one. Oftentimes, I couldn't stomach more than one episode at a time, or I would need to be distracting myself with other online busywork while watching so as to not get too emotionally invested. But, I can't say that I wasn't entertained at times. A lot of times. Ugh. This show, man. </div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borat_Subsequent_Moviefilm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsc8RWrmsnDm9vRO64j5M1VOAyZS6LUaTz2MgJrg1HlwEez7x5M0jMrtWYDJWZr4TpPuWurUrrZVONKo0fgFR5Dm6PmqOiaJuSLOrhkDniahOS3i-EblaHrY1g3luB-briYpt/s320/Borat_2_poster.jpeg" /></a></div><div>57. 10/23/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borat_Subsequent_Moviefilm" target="_blank">Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation Kazakhstan</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>What can be said about Sacha Baron Cohen and portrayal of the character of Borat other than BRILLIANT? His satirical form of humor plays into the stereotypical beliefs that many have about 'foreigners' and when he leans in with hate speech that they like, their true colors are shown immediately. I still have so many questions about how many of the people we see on screen were in on the joke, and if not, what did they think was going on? I'm sure I'll be reading a lot of articles in coming days!</div><div><i><br /></i><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1Fevx6D38odZq_z87Aefeg2WThXZcc-d9AeDwFTVxdVNu_DlTLWpD5q1btgzNyvMvUf3xP0m7KHUKRB268qwYAxbVhCYuKjEnLZKkZZ0XbkCAT6N6-Dx9Xt95S5z3jsl9us5/s320/ST3.jpg" /></a></div>56. 10/17/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things" target="_blank">Stranger Things</a></i></div><div>(Netflix, Seasons 1-3)</div><div>Holy crap, that was a roller coaster ride of a show. The kids had both seen the series when I began to watch it with them, so there were more spoilers dropped than I would have preferred, but they did have to put up with my literal screams and freak outs for three seasons, so it was probably even. I did not do well with the jump scares and the frightening action scenes, so I offered lots of verbal encouragement (and sometimes shaming!) to the characters, but there's no denying that this ensemble cast is full of amazingly talented kids. Now to have to wait another year for the next season is a bit too much to take, even though I came to this party a couple years after pretty much everyone else in the world! <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1069" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlmOABQQfGPtzu6Log9NZgShfVZGhqO3RvQW3gOJ_BYCYGSgFlAY_yizTFAz5l6NO73auQtKzRoSlw9CfC1I7nQahzxsumEpwvsBPKOHyxZVsbExQfP7Y4TWOuYz9bfjHgsHc/s320/woke.jpg" /></a></div>55. 10/15/2020</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Woke</a></i></div><div>(Hulu, Season 1)</div><div>Five years ago, I stayed late at the National Book Festival with my then 15-year-old so he could see some panels about graphic novels and comics, and we attended a session with Keith Knight. As soon as he started to talk about his work, I was hooked. One accepted FB friend request later, I was following his posts and looking forward to his perspective through his comics. Fast forward to today, and after watching the first season of his semi-autobiographical series, I adore him and his work even more. I truly hope this keeps going, because his is a voice that needs as many outlets as possible to reach people. Funny and smart, I could watch way more than just eight episodes!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74vEZjTob6VIU88O8GN_QucRSHKz4FaOfAari44FvYaM_potFDktEZkOMsWJhqOviRsPBTTRYTkq6yyNi11GSS7h_cjlvDDypACFY9AcZK49PHd_p6_dAuT3DzfK77PfkFz10/s600/shrill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74vEZjTob6VIU88O8GN_QucRSHKz4FaOfAari44FvYaM_potFDktEZkOMsWJhqOviRsPBTTRYTkq6yyNi11GSS7h_cjlvDDypACFY9AcZK49PHd_p6_dAuT3DzfK77PfkFz10/s320/shrill.jpg" /></a></div><div>54. 10/13/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrill_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Shrill</a></i></div><div>(Hulu, Season 2)</div><div>Aidy Bryant is a goddess. That's about all that needs to be said. The show itself is silly fun intertwined with serious issues of self-identity and self-image. Aidy commands the screen in every damn scene, and even when there are cringe-worthy story lines (that fucking boyfriend!), I can't make myself look away. I didn't want this season to end.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awkwafina_Is_Nora_from_Queens" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqVTrwKtSLgXXMZKIUR0C_qwYEXfjcsb70g0HkMpqP9cwUk2uAUe82nFAs7pIxRY5MwRShyphenhyphenVuAgwxpA2i1CummxF24myEr8APfx03pXTAl461VLKtpyXzsXWjOmwLWBGo8bHC/s320/ainfq.jpg" /></a></div>53. 10/12/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awkwafina_Is_Nora_from_Queens" target="_blank">Awkwafina is Nora from Queens </a></i></div><div>(Comedy Central, Season 1)</div><div>I'd like to say that I'd watch Awkwafina do just about anything, and I'm pretty sure that after watching an entire season of this, I absolutely did. Not sure what this was all about, but it was ridiculously fun in its inexplicability. She's just plain delightful. I don't know if there's going to be another season, and I'm not sure if there are any actual storylines to continue, so anything can happen here, I imagine.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKhf_FS9tUl8Typlk_5sh-inhYEtSi_ibY02ypWGxRUIycWdMc_dSJV_vfPdlmJ2QAiRJSCUvM4xs3OZ0ghbG9lYxSovGi8k5ixdzbibxeYA1Qdahx3hRBVpyCh2WM2kZMOue/s1500/enola+holmes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKhf_FS9tUl8Typlk_5sh-inhYEtSi_ibY02ypWGxRUIycWdMc_dSJV_vfPdlmJ2QAiRJSCUvM4xs3OZ0ghbG9lYxSovGi8k5ixdzbibxeYA1Qdahx3hRBVpyCh2WM2kZMOue/s320/enola+holmes.jpg" /></a></div>52. 9/26/20</div><div><i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7846844/" target="_blank">Enola Holmes</a></i></div><div>(Netflix)</div><div>My almost 13-year-old and I quite enjoyed this fun romp, even though I felt like it was all over the place at times. Millie Bobby Brown is beyond charming in this role, and I think I would watch her in anything at this point. She brings a playfulness and genuine curiosity to the character of Enola, and we both adored the breaking of the fourth wall device that is used so she'll talk directly to us viewers. This was a delightful family movie with suspense and puzzles to figure out (those were S's faves!), and my daughter called the twist right away, while I thought she was reaching. A fun Netflix watch.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEN15" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdOBByL1varwpsE1038YDzu5DAV3VzpfDzrMf2EmQCQc8ux85h-O8u3Y0PW0SISlhyphenhyphenOX1EuD0WB_c3pXiiamdgvd8pRfRVmxaqglgeUR4mZgmFf6zBVr0iRialDbNUDABKKy3/s320/pen15.jpg" /></a></div>51. 9/24/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEN15" target="_blank">PEN15</a></i></div><div>(Hulu, Season 2, Part 1)</div><div>What a bizarro and hilarious show. Somehow, these two grown women make me forget, almost instantaneously, that they are adults playing middle schoolers amongst a cast of actual middle school aged kids. They capture the body language and tones used by young adolescents so freaking perfectly. Some of this season got a bit whacky at times (that dance during the play? that BREASTFEEDING scene?!), but I was here for it and just shook my head at the stuff I didn't quite get. Totally unique entertainment.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_Carter_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="494" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eadQr56ZhhqsTOq4YK0vtx3vwK76d3MxO7xZYNdfa8O4PXJGIfXKTabmeHWFWUMm7Wv8UY8mWMnF71th0G-4kxsyUHqp3eUVilIIglbpW2RKs4hYaD157BmV_LgGmA3uaFht/s320/AC.jpg" /></a></div><div>50. 9/15/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_Carter_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Agent Carter</a></i></div><div>(Disney+, Seasons 1 & 2) </div><div>We watched this with the kids over living room dinners for some time this summer. What a shame it only lasted two seasons, because we all quite liked a show driven by both a female hero and female villians. The 40s setting made for incredible fashion watching, and the banter between Agent Carter and Mr. Jarvis was funny and friendly and delightfully not sexual. All the way, we loved this series!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/knives-out" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/knives-out" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUhwUk7Vk3kZSqd9khU_K8XsUnROOY5h5ptVVxOYN0IDP7U-McQiZ4kvZ0pVTfEsZ5JyDCMfV8WzgZpt-pQ3EjZbTZi7O_8Dq36WR7TOxCLLNz_j9NhfOKJ35t7f_vrT99Qsb/s320/knivesout.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>49. 9/6/2020<br /><a href="https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/knives-out" target="_blank"><i>Knives Out</i></a><br />(Amazon Prime)<i> </i></div><div>Not even a year had gone by since we watched this flick in the theater, and upon the rewatching with friends (socially distanced in their back yard!), I could only remember fragments of how the plot came together. Still brilliant, funny, and super sharp. I'm glad we watched it again!</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_Club_(film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="321" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize3O7R1rof8FerOT_ZT-ityVwoqhrta7T7TU7In-pnX9E52elJbyj2UBrQj323-byHIh7jFRhqippgLnvuKYJipmKmBDBRg19A2fGTKvBqt44X8dQzt3sf2CeBTExsa6qLQ4Y/w165-h250/BC.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>48. 8/16/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_Club_(film)">Book Club</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime)</div><div>I can't imagine this movie is one that these well-established actors put at the top of their life's accomplishments. This was boring, predictable, and so damn full of tropes, it was laughable (unlike the movie itself). I was consistently bothered by the one guy (played by Andy Garcia) who didn't listen to a thing the one woman (played by Diane Keaton) said or did, but instead told her what she actually wanted to do by forcing her to do it, and lo and behold, wasn't that charming and wasn't he actually right about what was best for her? [Insert vomiting here.] Yeah, this wasn't even worthy of background viewing while doing dishes and laundry.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Umbrella_Academy_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="544" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU_5aIFAJ1MvfwedeQOiu_0eMPO290mlVP8SAn087Y_FT8gEZ4nbQ1lMQVzXPWgDx_ow6yL3JINDPB2n5_q70jcp-Lfffq53E2QKmMT-z0TCtYC6x3Kyroqeh_mgxMbnvWCwf/w178-h262/umbrella-academy-season-2-poster.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>47. 8/10/20, 10/23/20</div><div><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Umbrella_Academy_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Umbrella Academy</a></i></div><div>(Netflix, Seasons 1 & 2)</div><div>When I was a few episodes in, I saw a meme that asked two questions: 1. Who is your favorite UA character? and 2. Why is it Klaus? Only a few episodes in, I was already feeling this joke hard. I became quickly fascinated with this show-- witty writing, dynamic characters, solid performances, cheeky humor-- it had it all. I'm not necessarily a superhero flick fan, but this was something different than the standard, and I got sucked in. I did find that it was annoying to watch episodes on my phone, because it was hard to see exactly what was going on, but I also didn't want to wait until the evening when I might have the TV to myself to watch it. I wish I could watch the whole thing for the first time again! <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/07/18/892548627/we-are-freestyle-love-supreme-is-an-accidental-hamilton-cast-origin-story" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1013" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C6V-Srzp1SzAPnCx_xChcj3M_X52T0j2GutPUtIKGoyS99RPZIN2Joj04aPgp3L6QNTyIx3BqOkAPwOXbFVwsqoioWr4qDXArWCttWWfcDVuKRkXrgLvCF9hQaUw4UfijD9R/w178-h262/fls.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>46. 8/4/20</div><div><i><a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/07/18/892548627/we-are-freestyle-love-supreme-is-an-accidental-hamilton-cast-origin-story" target="_blank">We are Freestyle Love Supreme</a></i></div><div>(Hulu)</div><div>
Holy motherforking shirtballs, was this the joy that I needed in my life right now? Yes, on all fronts, yes. What a raucous celebration of language, friendship, music, and absolute joy. Seeing LMM 15 years younger, hearing Tommy Kail tell him that people may never know who he is? All of it was so perfect, it couldn't have been planned, it could only have been fate. Watch this for a pick-me-up and an hour and a half of pure love.</div><div><br /></div><div><br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troop_Zero" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxedN7rqR7vntVf6mZgq4cK_FuapOgLCV4P_NJs_iXE6w7BICQfBDp9y5HjRqcl9i0JfVvks5WHFurujzII2bAEaJMj26C99TVJSs93H8ZEhRCl40GGElxpeYhMBoA0JdkLmno/s1600/TZ.jpg" /></a></div>
45. 7/25/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troop_Zero" target="_blank">Troop Zero</a></i><br />
(Amazon Prime)<br />
I watched this one by myself while trying to do the world's most difficult puzzle ever. It was sweet at times, maddening at others, and overall a conduit for some really talented young actors. I have a variety of different reactions to stories that pitch kids out on their own with little to no adult interference in the face of injustices that they're well aware of, and I found myself vacillating between respecting the adults and being pissed off at them.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spy_Who_Dumped_Me" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7VIpqUfXoJyVI0fXHo0CFGmIbIsD_F-v6GOfdLiwieoyPFsIXLvCK2UUiKhilVjfw4bGlQ2abiK0gvhHTvoOl1vCX9wHnVE73_Ao339RUR9qaDOa36WCyx0iG8CyuYJM-_zM/s320/SWDM.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
44. 7/22/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spy_Who_Dumped_Me" target="_blank">The Spy Who Dumped Me</a></i><br />
(Netflix)<br />
We watched this on Netflix Party with some friends while also being on videochat together (but muted so no wonky feedback sound), and damn if I couldn't control my outbursts of laughter at the ridiculous scenes of buffoonish action. Kate McKinnon is a fucking comedic gem. While this might not be Oscar-worthy material, it was perfect for a distraction that prompted a ton of laughs.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Love_(TV_series)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlG4O_HHGmOXW1-KDZag1whD88q3k0A_CyEYbowr2kVey3RLnNKmC52fxVDMPAjup8BFGU7QgGvRWb2BDtjHoaJVirUEO1Oh8DnOJhuYGI9aAqx76EgQF_BO59rQTQrmYmzr4/s320/ML.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
43. 7/19/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Love_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Modern Love</a></i><br />
(Amazon Prime, Season 1)</div><div>
Some episodes were more touching than others here, but the performances were all high-quality and entertaining. I thought the ending scenes that showed all the characters crossing paths or coming near each other at some point was a bit cheesy and not necessary, but sure, NYC is a small town where this is totally possible.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Future" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="855" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3DBusp2H-H-mvjFoI1TVkEvLIktjrJruGoHFbo8g4-shCXBcmKk7JiWt7tcmNopDbnhEkH3koUtkUgzOL7HjLFneodaXgE_h_VXBOd9NJyFXBA5T8IAE3kxDfy2znhiGr33-/s320/BTTF.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
42. 7/17/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Future" target="_blank">Back to the Future</a></i><br />
(Drive-In)<br />
Well, it had been a whole bunch of years since I saw this one, and Hubby and I were surprised by some parts that we did NOT remember and definitely needed some further conversation with the kids afterward. It's hard to say, but other than those weird-ass scenes and the sexual assault/rape scene, this movie was kinda fun.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrek" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p1RWegbCDdIOGynJjT849Madtrmze9L9XJsak97Zo1zNqznYUgulKMvxTVMPKsST51luPfP2Zg9gcZNGxDfuv3E7Pl1RIAziuSR7RGjC7JiROd9fPBBr7MfN_1aDqgEd6nVB/s320/shrek.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
41. 7/17/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrek" target="_blank">Shrek</a></i><br />
(Drive-In)<br />
I don't like this movie, because it was marketed as a kids' flick, and it's ridiculously full of inappropriate humor. But, drive-in for a second weekend meant that I had to put up with this one for 90 long and painful minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pose_(TV_series)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOePqFze24-2EM4lfxdvjCagezE8MbUMQYEEOFrtRjf6bDV-jZlgDh70k8EqHV-N-iLbn1qpUKSLyDrB7hJDqlWUXgHLkloxrsfgY2d1HNoIrOdfuKUw5W-KRl_4XP-bBMB6wq/s320/pose.jpg" /></a></div>
40. 7/13/20</div>
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<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pose_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Pose</a></i></div>
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(Netflix, Season 1 & 2)</div>
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Okay, sometimes when I watch a new show, I get a little bit obsessed with it, wanting to binge it constantly and thinking about the characters nonstop. Yeah, that happened here, for sure. I adored everything about this show-- the actors' performances, the glam, the musical numbers, and um, the motherfucking genius that is Billy Porter. In every scene with him, I can't take my eyes off him. He's absolutely mesmerizing. I was motivated to read about the history of the ball culture in the 80s and 90s, as I had no idea of the cultural significance of Madonna's "Vogue" when I was a teenager in rural Connecticut. Oh, and it was fun to see my cousin as an extra in a scene in the Season 2 premiere-- so cool!<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Goonies" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J1LnT2svfsHogt1Qb7n6YXviNrK9gNIZKBgrrRSXbGyyLIJzphaU1Jer0j0fIuo5nElGfpxlkT6cUgIqeWT1jDVVpxG99FPnU7IwyGcCS-JE7WoRkUqYHt7Xt_lcx73w1ZEk/s320/goonies.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
39. 7/11/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Goonies" target="_blank">The Goonies</a></i><br />
(Drive-In)<br />
Here's another movie that we've seen a bunch of times, but when you need to get out of the house for an adventure like a drive-in movie, you take what you can get. Starting a movie at 11 pm makes for not entirely attentive viewers of the kids, but they watched most of it and seemed to have a good time.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Wonka_%26_the_Chocolate_Factory" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPf7xdqAvxixspgaW5i2FZXFOiyIDpq7HEARaSd-mbhpX_BdEdEHpSHdsJtPf53YroQFksFqyje9hhp8tpK3H1ulVT-p_eOt1fq61UFXhwLFI0n6zlW_-OqToiYpkKdjxjnIs/s320/WW.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
38. 7/11/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Wonka_%26_the_Chocolate_Factory" target="_blank">Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory</a></i><br />
(Drive-In!)<br />
I don't know how many times I've seen this flick in my life, but there was something even more fun when seeing it at the drive-in! In this summer of social distancing, this activity is one of the few things we can do and feel comfortable and safe. The kids laughed and mostly enjoyed this, and even though I had my usual issues with some parts, it was still an enjoyable watch, for the zillionth time. </div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_(2020_film)" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="1086" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzuNMjNzPhcJp7dWEZSHbEv_fo1L-nuNuPtbgkDEtB2d_6bXpR7L4cXtBQGg0J-jHb4UT08vChYwX6MXl2tRUDBkixRzMhKU-QMjjSUcL-tSAGDrG53R2-cZShMSEcgfqex82/s320/hamilton.jpg" /></a></div>
37. 7/3/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_(2020_film)" target="_blank">Hamilton</a></i></div><div>(Disney+)</div>
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We all gathered together in the living room on the day before our nation's day of independence (for some, ahem), and took it all in, as breathless and in awe as we expected. It's not like we all hadn't heard the soundtrack thousands of times, or that we hadn't watched every live performance clip on award shows and YouTube again and again. I even had the chance to see a stage production of it! (In Puerto Rico! With LMM!!) None of it was new, per se, and everything was new, all at the same time. We were collectively blown away. The kids' enthusiasm about the show had definitely lessened since four years ago when it was all they lived and breathed, but at least for the middle child, it's on the rise once again. Even poor Hubby was an emotional wreck by the end of the show like some of us, in great need of some tissues and a hug. The younger two kids and I watched it again about two weeks later, and I'll probably pull it up several more times until we no longer have access to Disney+, but I doubt I'll record every viewing date on here. </div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080339/" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1eqX6vj7I8xzstD12yPjVH2I41GALx4R18a33fohInBNe1m8aI6GY38t-mAeFphifwWrSsa1cbvfAUQXD93EzvWAfacV9XcJGXUFzVp04gfcbLK-s6tqgzDmdHPSIDZnFmB_/s400/MV5BNDU2MjE4MTcwNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDExOTMxMDE@._V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
36. 7/2/20<br />
<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080339/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Airplane!</a></i><br />
(DVD)<br />
On the 40th anniversary of its release, some friends and I met up together virtually to Netflix Party the shit out of this ridiculous film. Jesus, how I laughed again. Yes, there is a whole lot of problematic crap here. I won't deny it. There's also a ton of nonsensical, stupid, silly humor that appeals to me, so I point out the bad and laugh at the rest. There are gags in this flick that I have referenced practically my whole life. It was an absurd break from reality for a little while on a not-work night.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homecoming_(TV_series)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m_eQpIODBz_PmtNb6AHdkXPx1xULbYp1ecRDrUKHoO-RQvcNEHSrJi_XBrHypWg290won1ui7kG0ddbF3o7qcXQVssZQOeUFcE9Ro6Vb0pWRchTZk0O6CS5rkCX7ArJt18tH/s320/HC2.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
35. 6/20/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homecoming_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Homecoming</a></i><br />
(Amazon Prime, Season 2)</div><div>
Well, that didn't go quite as I had expected. Although it was a bit less "artsy for artsy's sake" than the first season, there were still frequent times when the music swelled and got super loud unnecessarily, and I'm still confused about the continued scenes while the credits rolled. Even though it's only 7 episodes, we still took over a week to finish the season, and I found myself a little befuddled here and there with the nonlinear timeline. The storyline, though, was intriguing and thought-provoking about just how awful human-led organizations can be. The ending? The ending is kick-ass.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workin%27_Moms" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pZFKVAkTHQrHN2YEhNlipXXUbOOS2LmOaRR9ua1APlzB6Gvdmeb7G8_TbSgRujZ3kyR6U9jpIjk8C8KfJKJydEqbZk7_LIxO3IubX1ozMsrXk_LsQzODVfVEUjE6JsOiJvra/s320/AAAABRJYe7pynYpqvPeEGkUbJhy_iqlIW18evP-ZXkI8a1K6J1qOUgHKFSd-G3Mmz37agqW3SdfEvE2L9p7dzZrlGSr-Kqe4-gyYYBRnd2x4xRharn7Ho2fsFBeVYpvH-AdlEXQUYlTZ6h9VxXyIhj0PRcMUpRh47z4.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
34. 6/15/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workin%27_Moms" target="_blank">Workin' Moms</a></i><br />
(Netflix, Season 4)<br />
Normally, when an entire season of a 22-minute per episode series consists of only eight episodes, I would complain. When it's <i>Workin' Moms</i>, it's a blessing for which I'm grateful. I absolutely did intentionally hate-watch this season, just to see if it could get any worse. It didn't get any better, that's for sure. These are some of the worst parental characters I've ever seen on the screen. I am a big fan of parenthood-based comedy, but this shit goes way beyond anything even relatable. It's like they don't even know what kids are like, the way they portray them to such an extreme. And I've never been a contender for Mom of the Year, but I can't imagine behaving the way these folks do in front of their kids. When will this series be over?<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Reasons_Why" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05gAdbfl2R_7akLbmn_gZNMccJgw0lhLHQ3-zzvcEQ-OpKoM15pbEGOZhdBELJk8U4P9wT6WCgJI4EmJadAv2KPa1ZWmxEDnpVXOsS2ADg8WTXZPXqn434xwv3BIC7M52oL1H/s320/13-Reasons-Why-Season-4-1280x720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
33. 6/12/20</div>
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<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Reasons_Why" target="_blank">13 Reasons Why</a></i></div>
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(Netflix, Season 4)</div>
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This show is the absolute worst. Each season was more ridiculous and painful than the next. It felt like the creators were trying to make inspirational statements, yet they couldn't have been more misguided. These characters are the fucking worst people- not nuanced personalities with shades of all that humanity can offer, but just terribly selfish and hurtful people with flailing consciences. So much trauma and awfulness was packed into four short seasons, and this must be the most cursed group of teens ever. Ugh. Just the whole thing gave me a terrible taste in my mouth and I just wanted it to be over. Even if I felt moved at times for certain people, I couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of disgust at the series as a whole.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homecoming_(TV_series)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQHnCh6Cnuc0AtdLViMbO3FAWxQg1RfsO1-fzu6sSbxAC9oWGCuaPKnHSl-QK503wKsrUVkvJifrIVl6t9S6GxeWsIq5uLao6PgR9VY69WHQ_3ek1QSZu9_T6_3Y9-sS0WRkf/s1600/dkCpPQbBBxEZQljGATEgrP0N9i8.jpg" /></a></div>
32. 6/3/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homecoming_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Homecoming</a></i><br />
(Amazon Prime, Season 1)<br />
Okay, this was certainly intriguing and engaging, but I do wish that the director hadn't gone so far in the "arsty" direction, because every episode had at least one or two scenes with unbearable music or sound effects that didn't heighten the tension but did serve to piss us off. I thought Hubby was going to lose it at times, and I'm not sure if we'll be watching season two together or not. I definitely want to keep going, mostly because Janelle Monáe, but damn if this show isn't stressful AF to watch.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Mercy" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaLGnpk8vkg8Rhf-AxKl2K75v4uh0YpxWcxgAYer2ANPdMHT2RwZcllYebMgMSx3zpVC4JAjekx-ZOCeDbfNj7uI_dCSCeaL59YZkjyWo9g-n3TlXz_q4UU7S_8IIQ3NAhz5P/s320/just-mercy-59.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
31. 6/2/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Mercy" target="_blank">Just Mercy</a></i><br />
(Amazon Prime)<br />
Fuck this country's "justice" system. We watched this with the younger two (12.5 and 14) after spending the afternoon at a Black Lives Matter rally in our town. We're trying to get our kids to understand that systemic racism is embedded in the heart of this country, and that it's going to take a whole lot of hard work to try to make any changes. We are responsible for trying to make those changes, and we can't do the work without knowing the history. We're not going to be able to know every story, but I appreciate the opportunity to share the work of Bryan Stevenson and the stories of Johnnie D. McMillian, Herbert Richardson, and Anthony Ray Hinton. They are just three examples of too, too many black men who have not been served by the criminal justice system. This film is powerful and emotional and important.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_to_Me_(TV_series)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="431" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE-QhfxY24JxQFNPo4HUqg9WcPbR8VACRdEeKxP6sL3U6fekvlwCj3S2MgNlyGDOBd6pZN9bdfO2cifRI46fqQVNewFN_Vuhm0tbFtCIE5mAPlCCqXqR1fvh7uUJHW9hKdRSU/s320/DTM2.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
30. 6/1/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_to_Me_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Dead to Me</a></i><br />
(Netflix, Season 2)<br />
Well, if I thought that the first season threw curveball after curveball, this season was more like soft pop flies. (I'm not good at the sportsballs, but I think that means what I want it to mean...) There was a whole lot that was easy to see coming this season, but it was still entertaining, so I binged in just a couple days. Applegate and Cardellini have amazing chemistry and presence on screen together, and there are such absolutely witty one-liners that Applegate delivers with perfect dry, dark humor. Of course, the season ends on another cliffhanger, so we'll revisit this in a year.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lovebirds_(2020_film)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI8G7DWc62TdvoafR5_MrfQgytRY6R6F6OTlVtxSih88F-Ac3IYod8KftB1s_UiJN0BXlIADxVsG3-bCC0wTf2gwYyJHHuK-WkF8BNQOaYXamvvXDxAspjkSj21dqna0JQvyQ/s320/LB.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
29. 5/29/30<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lovebirds_(2020_film)" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Lovebirds</a></div><div>(Netflix)<br />
We watched this on Netflix with a group of friends using the NP app, and while I would have much more preferred to have been together in person, I definitely took advantage of the chat feature of NP to share some of my many outbursts in reaction to this hilarious film. I lost it again and again while watching this, unable to control my howls of laughter. Both Rae and Nanjiani were PERFECTLY cast, and their chemistry was undeniable. Rapid-fire humor and outrageous situations made this the funniest flick I've seen in a while.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="337" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtJJDEkuCASfEDxC08xBz-9vuOFgF8AQJorbELnxuMeHhhOZ0TeWVXSKdrrruQrp8gl1h1Gf3QpDYwUeEavjTYjTHPmTWs3jKTYh3YSpmclpS9CFKN4MrZ9E7kZd8Tm_Zt8rg/s320/GA16.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
28. 5/26/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey%27s_Anatomy" target="_blank">Grey's Anatomy</a></i><br />
(Netflix, Season 16)<br />
I've said it before, and I'll say it again-- I'm exhausted with these trauma-magnet people. At least this time I knew well enough to wait until I could binge the whole season instead of dragging it out over 20+ weeks. Thankfully, the latest season went to Netflix, since my DVR didn't save the entire season. I was able to have this on in the background while I did lots of other things-- dishes, laundry, mindless spreadsheets. Just like always, this crew sees the rarest of the rare illnesses and diseases, and several people act as if they have zero fucks to give about the feelings of others. Just another season of this nighttime soap opera that I can't stop watching if they still keep making them.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upload_(TV_series)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FuWejcm-t4XpH9LqhvYkioKEVhrPKQrYIyifp1P_VaZW-zFqU01YHk0f5JPHfe7eRVu-wkWzmzChTF-JakvYTjyKtTUHw9GsZTk7oDmsXKEaadRpbGlVAsOe4VyAa8p5VIRK/s320/upload.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div>
27. 5/21/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upload_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Upload</a></i></div><div>(Amazon Prime, Season 1)<br />
I heard this show described as <i>The Good Place </i>meets <i>Black Mirror</i>, and as I love both of those shows for very different reasons, so I was intrigued. We watched over the course of a couple weeks, and I guess I finished it thinking it was worth the time, even if I was quite disappointed by the ending. It leaves me wondering what the second season will look like, but I'm not terribly excited for its return. It was clever and innovative, but maybe right now isn't the best time to contemplating the afterlife and the ways technology can eff it all up. Real life here on Earth is scary enough.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Have_I_Ever_(TV_series)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOoTr9LQ2496NN7FfJtHcvSNirT8X-5ixEWcmIz_xFoyjUuIgliz9QOD_hmhDYccVAh_83VfeZ1ubAmkqU_OPprsJCPOFrXFFppHbNiBVgpqB2E3mRCiDMvSD8i4_dchJxfKd/s320/nhie.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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26. 5/15/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Have_I_Ever_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Never Have I Ever </a></i><br />
(Netflix, Season 1)<br />
Okay, I really liked this show, even if I'm not, perhaps, their ideal target audience. We watched this in a couple settings with friends over Netflix Party, and I got super invested. Like when a thing happened in one of the final episodes, I legit gasped, causing Hubby to scoff at me. I liked that the protagonist was realistic and flawed, as I have a little bit of experience with teens to know that often their depictions in tv and movies are a bit lofty. I do hope that this gets renewed for a second season, because I see the writers as being thoughtful enough to make it more than a simple teenage girl torn between two guys kind of narrative.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoey%27s_Extraordinary_Playlist" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsjx5BWcFM4Y8vsF-i-eJeq7Zk7C2flIvNSP7ds-7Pi3W80CWS1HYewdHbLmpKepWh_Kf3VokAROHKHLuvUO1hZy5aMidKHCv8JDYK7-Ahelz1E8f1r99P5jInIh-5e1jjahb/s320/zoe.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
25. 5/8/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoey%27s_Extraordinary_Playlist" target="_blank">Zoe's Extraordinary Playlist</a></i><br />
(NBC, Season 1)<br />
Another finale night and definitely more tears. This show may not have always featured the best singers, but these characters' hearts were in it 1000%. This was a show that our whole family watched together and quite enjoyed. This was a heartbreaking finale, even though we all knew what was coming. It hasn't officially been renewed, but I'm banking on it being back for a second season. We'll have the DVR set.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schitt%27s_Creek" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNFvjFDDEM8WN5hBMm54vijerJcIrWcWDjWZbzBnqAI_T4pjZl2zf6yh57pO_LXXGZwePkJvV4DkAJV9h8dRWL6JbgiWtRqzceCA1FSTGIVrr-I5RTJh6dy_ofv9lThXHDUnV/s320/schitts-creek-season-6-poster.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
24. 5/4/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schitt%27s_Creek" target="_blank">Schitt's Creek</a></i><br />
(PopTV, Season 6)<br />
Oh, the tears. <i>"I'm not finished with this place," </i>David said in the finale, and damn if I don't know exactly what that felt like. This show, man. This show was everything-- humor, tenderness, love, friendship, and family. Oh, and a world without the pain of homophobia. It was so freaking endearing that I don't even know how to sum up my feelings beyond saying that I'm obsessed with it, a la David. I couldn't get enough, and I sobbed when it all came to an end, and I absolutely know that I will be going back and watching these episodes again and again. Thank you Dan Levy for a show that so completely filled my heart.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games:_Mockingjay_%E2%80%93_Part_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1053" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bjwOwEQpFRi176C2vH0Xa87uhL_WaTJHMfAywPNG1tK0FDYDIDGrQCafsdGRAWaC1VD-rIG7dUsz4LdsmooD92Cx4rnuFO2Ovuv9JsFtS0P771RTNBr7MYKgVJPm0V5g-e0H/s320/MJ2.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
23. 5/3/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games:_Mockingjay_%E2%80%93_Part_2" target="_blank">The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2</a></i><br />
(DVD)<br />
Like the night before, I missed a big part of this one, too, but this time it was about the last third of the movie, so I'm probably going to pop the DVD back in soon and watch the end by myself. This was as terrifying and emotional as <i>Part 1</i>, so I was reacting about the same, that is to say loud and uncontrollably. I'm glad the kids were all as taken with this series as I was.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games:_Mockingjay_%E2%80%93_Part_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjVWi8TEnbvKwtaFJfkSNT9FXDNeoBN12jX3EQZPG0CanwXScxWoxkwNag6J9B5UAg6kySlYnwqQJ2bhyphenhyphenla4zkt9BtKxKshpufDy4ahnKJxpikYctmr8noM-5Mzhtg8sYp5i-/s320/MJ1.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
22. 5/2/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games:_Mockingjay_%E2%80%93_Part_1" target="_blank">The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 1</a></i><br />
(DVD)<br />
Now that our youngest has finished reading the series, we finally reached the point where we could all watch the final movies together. I missed a big chunk of this viewing near the final half of the flick due to a call from a friend in need, but that might have been for the best, because I was a WRECK watching this. Screaming out loud and unable to control myself kind of wreck. We saw this in the theater, so I'm not sure how I handled it appropriately then, but sitting in my living room meant no-holds-barred, I guess. This was an amazing film visually, and being years from reading it meant I wasn't caught up on details. This was a hit with everyone.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_and_Frankie" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1013" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrzKBNCgzVLfhLVcRMpFSQRa_uEA2Gt_hhHQVYUcbd24B8wdr-yQFVGS6OsfsMhn81ju9Tnz1481iDEEDf2JLWdkebohPZgEWupj81GgTG7RN7KUzcjH24gV9wlL8eTiF_4gA/s320/G%2526F.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
21. 4/29/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_and_Frankie" target="_blank">Grace & Frankie</a></i><br />
(Netflix, Season 6)<br />
Okay, I adore Lily Tomlin, and I've come to begrudgingly appreciate Jane Fonda's dry humor, but this is quite enough, thankyouverymuch. Six seasons of round-and-round plots that always seem to land in the same places makes me wish someone would pull the plug on this show. This show has mostly served the purpose of background entertainment for me-- while washing dishes, cooking dinner, or folding laundry, it's fine enough to have on in the background just to keep me from going too deeply into my own thoughts in the moment. Distraction TV isn't the best tagline, though, so I'd be okay if this one ran its course.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim%27s_Convenience" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUMSE5dlmQ7cDM9-W_Q8Lvc0GBToL5S6vA-GebayZhL8oK9eCzckf8chf9QVZ3CZUaV9B8CIZDbqswmjoddTSzbekQwilefm8sMOWeACXnDVOzJksi8ZeNOLX6lAvcz-5qDCl/s320/KC.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
20. 4/26/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim%27s_Convenience" target="_blank">Kim's Convenience </a></i><br />
(Netflix, Season 4)<br />
There was something about this season, more so in the first half of episodes, that made our whole family start to question how the characters were being portrayed, feeling like they were off a bit. Most of the main characters had moments of being really, really unlikable, which was so different than before. But, something shifted, and the second half of the season was more lighthearted. I quite liked the way the season ended, with some bigger questions in the air, and the fact that the final scene was pretty unremarkable-- just another customer walking in the store and being greeted by the Kims.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly%27s_Game" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1146" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GjLQH3HP5lQ3ytpbl8BUf3x1tKbXawTcfTcM-xQzNLvJPbeCKSP9qSpZNDkPCbLmYv-RdnMSmPxER9pPl-H8nnV5uHhw6gJYgzCppFBIHd63YLKl_UgQCU91osUTT8tzV5QK/s320/6213208_so.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
19. 4/25/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly%27s_Game" target="_blank">Molly's Game</a></i><br />
(Netflix)<br />
Not sure how I had never heard of anything about this-- not the story, not the arrests, not the book, not even the movie itself. We stumbled onto it on Netflix (after trying to watch the flick <i>Mr. Right</i> for about 7 minutes before declaring it totally unwatchable), and it ended up being fascinating. Of course, I couldn't stop myself from googling and wikipediaing through the whole damn thing, but real-time fact-checking has its place. The biggest takeaway, though, is undeniably that Tobey Maguire might be Hollywood's biggest asshole.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Nine-Nine" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhnGjEPB3bD9bFjMFHkk9XW8d5f3iGVbG3Czfwa7xhN5-kAX3LWN4CFEkclgJW07fI9U65YVqsW1b2ggtR6UI3a4yh0YeAcE07DXG2o768k_JmoppTnKUV2SF-iTEETzUlslX/s320/brooklyn-nine-nine-season-7-poster-vertical.png" width="241" /></a></div>
18. 4/25/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Nine-Nine" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nine-Nine</a></i><br />
(NBC, Season 7)<br />
This is a reliably funny show that I'm always happy to find on the DVR. The kids have taken to watching with us, and while there are still inappropriate moments here and there, for the most part, it's a goofy and silly comedy that is quite progressive. We all end up laughing and calling out our predictions for what the 'twist' will be. Now that Amy and Jake are parents, I'm hoping for even more silliness next season!<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Day_at_a_Time_(2017_TV_series)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv6nFVHrvGmNYSK8RJqvG4uNiom0HEtrnwj-Ro-cI2KeSGejGsWz_ZhaKbGa7rNPcQNoC5HXU_SAzjQr-Ph7bUh6xCSteRkcbebrcr3DJoG3QZFrcjVaybt7Dbn-athSdEd8t/s320/ODAAT.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
17. 4/21/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Day_at_a_Time_(2017_TV_series)" target="_blank">One Day at a Time</a></i><br />
(Netflix, Seasons 1-3)<br />
Why did I wait so long to watch this show? I had heard about it when it was first released, and again when Netflix was canceling it and fans protested, led by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda. I binged these first three seasons, and then my youngest kid started watching on her own, and we're both huge fans. Somehow, our cable package suddenly includes Pop TV, and now we can watch the currently running season 4! I love this family dynamic, and while this is likely the most traditional sitcom that I watch these days, I quite love that they don't necessarily "wrap up" every issue right away. Additionally, all the characters are portrayed as complex and held accountable. I could do without the laugh track, but everything else about the show makes up for that!<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951264/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcJ-4_4vvZtONHMNx2EZX2qffwWYQNy5A2CM0vLeMf4ZUF7ie8GibJJfoZYbPArrhofFAl8_bqsXmjh8Il0M3amjkLp6LsO9kzW3MMp23b_ZF3xa7fE_0P5dCGWyWUS03FggF/s320/CF.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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16. 4/7/20<br />
<i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951264/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt" target="_blank">The Hunger Games: Catching Fire</a></i><br />
(DVD)<br />
The youngest is reading this series right now and is on the third and final book, and while it took a while to get her, I ordered all the movies on DVD since it seems we'll be handling all of our entertainment at home for quite a while. The 12-year-old was duly impressed, and I found my heart pounding like mad even though I knew what was coming. Ugh, this story. What a time to be immersed in dystopian fiction!<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_King:_Murder,_Mayhem_and_Madness" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1393" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPwWo-VPJ3udVXXh8ynUdhOtxHVy-rSlmXlUyZ434iDCHOIYkNdKq33O1ZG_wZ-sbnp9MweCRBhwUeNVIWIe2t0HnUtk6BvgugoKv2u7eTnZx9rd-t46kwAUwRZBTiBvZo_62/s320/tiger+king.webp" width="215" /></a></div>
15. 4/6/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_King:_Murder,_Mayhem_and_Madness" target="_blank"><span id="goog_641853669"></span>Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness</a><span id="goog_641853670"></span></i><br />
(Netflix)<br />
What the actual fuck? This was indescribable. We watched this "documentary" series over a few nights with two other friend couples on the new Covid-19-inspired Netflix Party app, so we could watch simultaneously and chat together during the trainwreck. And that's what this was, no doubt. So much so that I don't even know what to say here, except for the fact that there were zero redeemable human beings in this entire series, maybe saving Saff. But those poor animals, man, that fucking killed me.<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7767422/?ref_=ttep_ep_tt" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTR_dIP-r8nuZD1YyjInVJtw8YM735sh2JuGBGHdA8a6UQmOoSPyT80VFB0AxEREcII1gpEXCUJLaHtC1ynDeACXhSbFCzHvv1Sebu_KFh29YunQiiuLA6FGaKsooR6j6UIi4/s320/SE.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
14. 4/2/20<br />
<i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7767422/?ref_=ttep_ep_tt" target="_blank">Sex Education</a></i><br />
(Netflix, Season 2)<br />
Well, that was an experience. I wasn't pleased with how the show ignored a sexual encounter in which one of the folks was pretty drunk, but the rest of the season continued to show enlightened teenagers who are open and honest about their sexual interests and activities, which is refreshing and more than a bit idealistic. This was fun and informative!<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7158430/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5nb5_O2CbbVJ43SFuSyGDXrytNDQTbyacBIl-GtsWC3WI0DY685f3U2a9AH1P3j-pvZdG_CQVVPwEuzfy5HmF8veZVLePELE2Xd83Zq8tADj_PYfh2HEIHxIUBccXCX1ElNz/s320/HBL.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
13. 3/22/20<br />
<i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7158430/" target="_blank">Hearts Beat Loud</a></i><br />
(Hulu)<br />
I invited the kids to watch this flick with us one night early in our socially distant days, and while I loved this one the first time I saw it and again this time, it wasn't quite as big a hit with the pre-teen and teenager. Oh well, they don't understand the gentle nuances of relationships that make indies so appealing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.drum-tao.com/na2020/index.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.drum-tao.com/na2020/index.html" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="447" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYjlx7UJ7sEIy_jVL371HacAoFyzC3JaAGN61qMGvGzhMbXvCZ5M0BcZZKqAis938qKsBzRm1eIMb0YeKjj6E2avVXQYmo0DyfCSBUiBUuVfLvcvAntMR8XhOYrlAdkzYq_K9/s320/20200305_071454.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
12. 3/4/20<br />
<a href="http://www.drum-tao.com/na2020/index.html" target="_blank"><i>Drum Tao</i></a><br />
(North American Tour 2020, Ohio University's Memorial Auditorium)<br />
Woah!! These physical acts these performers completed were beyond incredible. This was a solid two-hours of the most intense workout I've ever seen. There were drums of all sorts of sizes, along with several other seemingly-traditional Japanese instruments. There were tones of martial arts, and even some humor. As it began, I turned to one of the kids and said that it reminded me of a fabulous America's Got Talent act, and about a half hour later, Hubby turned and said the same thing to me. Arguably, this was at least a half-hour too long, and the performers hawked their DVDs, CDs, t-shirts and other merch VERY intensely in the lobby before and after the show, as well as throughout the aisles during intermission! But, it was an incredible performance! <br />
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<a href="https://choirofman.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyTYPZUfVZ2Vzf9TUaer0RO27jz4D7UIOWMQkkGLCOJLOL-rU8pPr8ER7sYTnHUXj99ima8Fzi4Hgzo4f0G3NUtkKC9ZLSiwWJ5TbZWcJCbP_dsyrUeqvkp1q76VEmmi2z2SH/s320/choir.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
11. 2/27/20<br />
<i><a href="https://choirofman.com/" target="_blank">The Choir of Man</a></i><br />
(Touring Company, Ohio University's Memorial Auditorium)<br />
Wowie zowie, this was a freaking blast. Talented hot guys with amazing accents singing and dancing for 90 minutes? Yes, please. We had free tickets that just happened to be in the 2nd row, and this show made both me and the 13-year-old swoon again and again. L O V E ! !<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146882/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_XVxuPZrw76FcZN24y7QBC9nIEyOWkSpo0GzkdzOLELfmK1HdIDMGQLo3e5jh4CEhWSasR_Q4IKioPg5cBrplfOL1c9rci29oOmT23N21PQyPkn4ECbawP0fdVYPbAP6TLw_/s320/HF.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
10. 9/21/20<br />
<i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146882/" target="_blank">High Fidelity</a></i><br />
(DVD)<br />
After the first movie was over, we popped this one in, and I couldn't remember ever watching this before either. Holy cow, this felt like the longest movie ever, even though it was just under two hours. I'm not sure what happened plot-wise, other than a self-indulgent man-baby acted like a self-indulged dick for two hours. Wasn't worth it. We would have had more laughs if we had just chatted or looked at memes on our phones.<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093822/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMqBJlIzkFfw_glZNNSjMZ6jt6e75ZeYO_co2sZOEzKVyoRECGyXlSx-wKJpQ0X5GYWBRRB5c8Yq5c8NE0QvQllRMEDiFJBFtknA25G1zmiICcN5GaAI1EYBYfYsOpvSFPu8h/s320/RA.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
9. 2/21/20<br />
<i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093822/" target="_blank">Raising Arizona</a></i><br />
(DVD)<br />
Somehow, I'd never seen this flick, and we pulled it out to watch one Friday night when we had some friends over and hanging out. It was just as bizarre as I expected, probably even more so, and definitely good for some late night laughs. Funny to see Cage and Hunter so damn young!<br />
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<a href="https://colorpurple.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://colorpurple.com/" border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="416" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_DIUNw6NYTpZ16ZBSpTwDqNSRbyUBFbzT22Vm1yp9HNjzDGHs4H-8YVwUKnR8Jiua6AC4EFuYpt90szajwc-e8IYSyvSd3QN8ZxfxjenUip0cYumfqOSB9jt_7Tgxncp__P5/s320/20200216_221218.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
8. 2/16/20<br />
<i><a href="https://colorpurple.com/" target="_blank">The Color Purple</a> </i><br />
(Touring Company, Ohio University's Memorial Auditorium)<br />
It had been at least two decades since I last read Alice Walker's incredible novel, and I didn't remember many of the details of the story. But I did remember that it was overwhelmingly difficult to read about the deep level of abuse and mistreatment that Celie received at the hands of her stepfather and husband, along with so many of the other people in her life. In watching the story get told on stage, I was a little thrown by the speed at which some parts were played out, and the depth, as well as the impact, of Celie's abuse seemed to be lessened. I understand that plays work better when there is some humor, but some of the crowd's laughs made me uncomfortable, too. All that being said, it was still an amazing show, and the performers were mind-bogglingly amazing. I'm thankful that we had the opportunity to see such an incredible performance just down the road from our home.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Place_(season_4)" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JbdBSNfKEgMvxSMr5XowgGUSLO6TRZ-w4C2Lu7l3c-98emtot-olsd6XDkdIDeM_iim2ODqqiaMPSrSPXNIyFtHDgOYox5Rv3zMf24AKD9zD4pt8MPsC9MzsrL0WUUHYgxbx/s320/The_Good_Place_Season_4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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7. 2/5/20, 11/16/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Place_(season_4)" target="_blank">The Good Place</a></i><br />
(NBC, Season 4)<br />
This brilliant show became my very favorite pretty early on in season one, and while I didn't want to see it go, I absolutely loved how it all ended. If there was ever an afterlife that I could get behind, it would be this one. This show in its entirety was an unbelievably perfect mixture of goofy blue humor and deeply thoughtful philosophical questions. I was pushed to evaluate my choices in life while also laughing at profanity replacements like "Holy mother forking shirtballs." Television doesn't get better than this.<br />(We watched the whole series again later in the year with the kids, and I was just as much a wreck by the end as I was the first time.)<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6143796/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6143796/" border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5RKvFVL_DeSzmXHyVxxR8-ScengJTx6hdEtpmtqwnkziwMEohQ0g9yPIA70gWcnJomQXUOZy8i56ZLyzHq1TwnQivXuv5yjM8oGmyaPhTxrA7J1F9hxuUfneKWrmepuLC4X6/s1600/WM.jpg" /></a></div>
6. 1/30/20<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6143796/" target="_blank"><i>Workin' Moms</i></a><br />
(Netflix, Seasons 1-3)<br />
Why would someone watch three seasons of a show that they actually quite dislike? I've been asking myself this question now for a while, and then I would start another episode. Watching this became a chore, and at the end of season two, I was ready to call it quits, and then they ended on a fucked up cliffhanger, so I couldn't help but start season three. Now that I've watched everything that is currently available on Netflix, I'm hoping that by the time the next season makes it here in a year or more, I'll have forgotten enough about it all that I just won't care. But let me say, this show is filled with privileged, obnoxious, and dangerously self-destructive characters, some of whom just may be sociopaths. There is so little that could be put under a redeeming factors column for this trainwreck of a show. Seriously. Just watch <i>The Letdown </i>instead if you're looking for a modern-day take on some typical challenges faced by new parents. Even when that's not realistic, at least it's funny.<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1560220/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1560220/" border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI7csY9oleOtmSW-wEog0v2lklQzT77ljngbHYRECaXnutU9AEgO3M8ogvZpPQOFlLgHPnGJTdfq_CUzLSFE6pqEksv5fCOgdas7Wn20Ce1EckUNFPWtOvllcWI2tyczEm7mw/s320/ZL.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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5. 1/24/20<br />
<i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1560220/" target="_blank">Zombieland: Double Tap</a></i><br />
(DVD)<br />
Ten years ago, we watched the first <i>Zombieland</i>, and I wrote my reaction here on the blog saying that basically, I didn't know why I watched it, because I don't like zombie movies. Well, here I am ten years later to say that I still don't like zombie movies. Again, I watched through my shirt a whole lot, along with making terrified grunting noises and startled squeaks. The cast is funny, the writing sharp, but the fucking zombies are everywhere, man.<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1620981/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwE_31czP-Qkhx5ue1X48bByT1B3YEzQl71RraajidnuybGdU18-5uz3mgl5McKz3cUA8RgXaGW1_EOLSJKpz6qeVZfFUYlnvla032mqN-Oyd_n1MnnSVJkSaB-WtRq8aI_z1/s320/taf.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
4. 1/24/20<br />
<i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1620981/" target="_blank">The Addams Family</a></i><br />
(DVD)<br />
Well, this one sucked. There were clever moments that hearkened back to the original, but this was actually a bit painful to watch. No recommendations.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mulaney_%26_the_Sack_Lunch_Bunch" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUiVozhX1_kNcKx2hTydeZ-dpCd9vNs46asKwYezSJe9vFT_aJDGr8C-GCuNl1NCmuYs0bawyzBb19bRN8ykg8DfgZcyrYjq3VOEmYhyphenhyphengKlYEdsSVRY5PrAEkuBRLU4s6SfYA/s320/jm.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
3. 1/23/20<br />
<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mulaney_%26_the_Sack_Lunch_Bunch" target="_blank">John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch</a></i><br />
(Netflix)<br />
Well, the 12-year-old, the 19-year-old, and I watched this together, and I'm not sure any of us knew what to expect or how to describe what we were getting. Yeah, this was weird. Yes, we all giggled at times, but I'm just not sure what Mulaney was trying to do here.<br />
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<a href="https://www.catsmovie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.catsmovie.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1011" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50dveMM8mjcVFk_IA4ie1e8kCjJcovoD3eASxwKDaQv4dFaaxPAbrAEQO7AWh7IP6R1-Bvhuu3VNT_vxGMDc7pNCM0y9TD-OOCGKkAhbJfkwNLg5hqLuRW3LvqBE2xBYNBN2u/s320/cats.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
2. 1/2/20<br />
<a href="https://www.catsmovie.com/" target="_blank"><i>Cats</i></a><br />
(theater)<i> </i><br />
First off, it's important to note that movies in my town cost $5, so I really need people to know that I didn't shell out big bucks to go see this. Secondly, I went with a pal with whom I shared a fascination about the public reactions since this flick was released. We were curious, and we figured we could use a little laugh anyway. Could it possibly be that bad?<i> </i>Yes. The answer is yes. Could it be outrageously awful, an inexplicable <span data-dobid="hdw">ménage à dozens of frisky felines roaming around a world devoid of consistent sizing? Yes, it was a trip and a half. I've never done hallucinogenic drugs, and now I don't need to. At least we laughed. A ton. </span><br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Letdown" target="_blank"><img alt="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Letdown" border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvO-5D5vrR4jtFMw68KGiMMBaOeMObLt2SINVkt1Jl_vmx8CG5hyphenhyphenn7lMg_YUp-TluVXQmA0pokN-0lyX60wrkp_mufGkEYKCI0iUJ5HuNvTMZ-DIyU3VgkYaYqzA0ImEws0Hgz/s320/letdown.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
1. 1/1/20<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Letdown" target="_blank"><i>The Letdown </i></a><br />
(Netflix, Seasons 1-2)<br />
I think I watched the first season <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or as it's referred to, Series 1)</span> a little over a year ago, and I thought about it sometime in December and checked if it had a new season <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or, Series 2, as it were)</span>. This show hits many of the themes that I've enjoyed in other shows and in books, and I appreciated its wackiness and ability to show moms messing up without making them look like complete dingbats. These moms were (mostly) realistic and relatable, and even though I'm long past the baby and toddler stages with my own kids, I can still remember the stresses those years brought quite vividly. I laughed a lot at this show, and I may have gotten teary a time or two, as well. <br />
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Happy viewing,<br />
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-29544409867615964162020-01-02T16:31:00.019-05:002021-01-01T12:14:14.708-05:00book reviews 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo7hOPSZYm4ilRac0xIPYWcewEEbqQKGImespZ9cd9DTIOWEfn5smvpBUleAS3LaFaisvcwd9v5kGsNeDp1Tsm_YZzIQvZfrryLKlF8xLgRllwEI1H2pemiDnbfMXccBdbo9r/s1600/books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="1600" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJo7hOPSZYm4ilRac0xIPYWcewEEbqQKGImespZ9cd9DTIOWEfn5smvpBUleAS3LaFaisvcwd9v5kGsNeDp1Tsm_YZzIQvZfrryLKlF8xLgRllwEI1H2pemiDnbfMXccBdbo9r/s400/books.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Here we go again! I closed out 2019 by reading one more book than my goal of 80, and looking back on the books I read, I am happy to see that I tried to diversify my reading even more than in recent years, and I pushed myself to read books that were WAY out of my comfort zone... and it was mostly a positive experience. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm looking at you, <i>Outlander</i>, and your terrible rapeyness. Ugh.)</span> This year, I'm sticking with the same goal, since it's about a book and a half a week. It's a little lofty with a full-time job, but it's nice to try all the same. <br />
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This will be my lucky thirteenth year keeping track of all the books that I read, with a quickly jotted down mini-review or summary of my thoughts on the book, and last year, I also started to post these on Instagram! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(#BookCoversForTheWin)</span> The previous years all live forever in this bloggy space as well as on Goodreads, starting way back in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2008/01/book-reviews.html" target="_blank">2008</a>, and going through <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2009/01/book-reviews-2009.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2010/01/book-reviews-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2011/01/book-reviews-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2012/01/book-reviews-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2013/01/book-reviews-2013.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2014/01/book-reviews-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2015/01/book-reviews-2015.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2016/01/book-reviews-2016.html">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2017/01/book-reviews-2017.html" target="_blank">2017</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2018/01/book-reviews-2018.html" target="_blank">2018</a>, and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/01/book-reviews-2019.html" target="_blank">2019</a>.<div><br /></div><div>As I write this intro on January 2nd, I'm a little bit giddy thinking about the fact that there are dozens of books waiting for me to pick them up in the next 12 months. What will this year bring??</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stamped-Antiracism-National-Award-winning-Beginning/dp/0316453692/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=stamped&qid=1609520931&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=5a0414580704bced9962695e844f213f&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316453692&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0316453692" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>41. 12/31/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3hA1ZZe" target="_blank">Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You</a> </i>by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi</div><div>What an absolutely perfect book to be my final read of 2020. I read 90% of this aloud with my youngest, and forged ahead on the final couple chapters on my own. Jason Reynolds is whatever word means more than brilliant. He has masterfully created the best 'not history' book for YA readers in his remix of Ibram X. Kendi's original work. (STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING is my goal for 2021-- to read and truly understand.) This needs to be available in every middle school and high school classroom for every kid everywhere. I should be embarrassed by the amount that I learned from a book meant for kids, but I'm taking this as an opportunity to face my lack of education and use resources to educate myself. Get this for your kids, and then read it yourself, too.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Within-Scholastic-Gold/dp/1338283383/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=the+moon+within&qid=1609184029&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=d599c880167f126262cbeb23bac65d36&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1338283383&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div>40. 12/28/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/38GPt6f" target="_blank">The Moon Within</a> </i>by Aida Salazar</div><div>This middle grade novel in verse is simply beautiful. A young girl, Celi, is reaching puberty, and the arrival of her first period will be honored by a moon ceremony by her mother's decree, even though Celi protests against the private-made-public feeling of it all. On top of that, Celi's first romantic feelings for a boy are complicated by his treatment of her best friend, who is trying to figure out their own gender identity. There's a lot in this slim book, and it's all written with respect to individuals and respect to ancient traditions and beliefs. It's just so absolutely lovely.
</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Justyce-Nic-Stone/dp/1984829661/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=dear+justyce&qid=1609116999&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=92214b88d253b838f884d93172b3b21d&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1984829661&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1984829661" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>39. 12/27/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/34KWxha" target="_blank">Dear Justyce</a> </i>by Nic Stone</div>I read Nic Stone's DEAR MARTIN a couple years back and was excited to hear she had written a companion novel to it. I appreciate her motivation in writing this one, in response to young Black men asking her to write about someone whose experiences mirrored their own more than Justyce's. With the protagonist Quan, Stone represents young people who feel stuck on a path not of their own choosing, because they don't have a whole lot of choices. She realistically shows the aftermath of trauma, giving voice to the importance of attention to mental health. Quan gains a support team of Black mentors who help him while he's wrongfully incarcerated, which even Stone acknowledges in the Author's Note, is sadly not always likely in real life. This is the type of YA fiction that adults should read.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081Y4Q86K/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=477744dfcc8b6301e6cba991dbc9a5eb&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B081Y4Q86K&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B081Y4Q86K" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>38. 12/26/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Jn1u8l" target="_blank">A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor</a> </i>by Hank Green</div><div>Wow. Just wow. I read Hank Green's first book a couple years ago, and I remember being awed by it, even if I didn't quite understand it completely. This sequel technically filled in all the details and wrapped up the VERY complex story, but I'm not sure I would be able to retell it if I tried. I can say that it is incredibly smart and insightful, exploring ideas of humanity's strengths and weaknesses, especially how these connect with power, money, and technology. Oh, and there are all-knowing aliens, too. This two-book series is deeply unique and incredibly challenging, in a good way.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Woman-Troublesome-Creek-Novel/dp/1492671525/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1V0THAE9SPWEI&dchild=1&keywords=the+book+woman+of+troublesome+creek&qid=1608769066&sprefix=the+book+woman,aps,197&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=713bfe9d31ba2cfa3759c6acd1795a17&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1492671525&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1492671525" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div></div><div>37. 12/23/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3rrat9y" target="_blank">The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek</a> </i>by Kim Michele Richardson</div><div>If 2020 has you feeling sorry for yourself, pick up this novel and read along as every possible hardship hits one young woman for almost 300 pages. And through it all, she continues to be the most selfless human to ever walk the earth. Seriously, this was too much for me. Too much pain and suffering, for sure. I mean, I know it was likely a realistic depiction of living in poverty in the 1930s in eastern Kentucky, but it was stomach-turning to read at so many points. The author's style of descriptive writing was also too much for me-- every sentence doesn't need a multitude of adjectives. I imagine I won't contribute much to our book club's Zoom discussion on this one.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Daughter-Widow-Wife-Novel/dp/1982139498/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=mother+daughter+widow+wife&qid=1608169686&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=602f8246826d56d32c75465b786e2337&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1982139498&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div>36. 12/15/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3nEGE3j" target="_blank">Mother Daughter Widow Wife</a> </i>by Robin Wasserman</div>While I had difficulty initially getting into this novel, I'm going to attribute that to my own mental state rather than a reflection of the book. Once I did get into the groove, because there's a lot of jumping around in time and among different characters' perspectives, I was hooked. Exploration of self-identity and who one is in relation to others are themes here, along with the concept of memory, and all of it together was freaking fascinating. Highly recommend.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Exciting-Times-Novel-Naoise-Dolan-ebook/dp/B07XDK2NN2/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=exciting+times&qid=1607191226&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=9fc3b93e06eefada1fba503e1d52a543&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07XDK2NN2&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07XDK2NN2" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>35. 11/30/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ju6J6j" target="_blank">Exciting Times</a> </i>by Naoise Dolan</div><div>This ironically titled novel didn't do much for me. A few times, I considered quitting, but I hate doing that unless I find the book truly awful, which is rare for me. This simply dragged on, almost catching on to a wave of character or plot development that would draw me in, and then receding just as slowly. One thing the protagonist did often in the midst of conflict in her two main relationships was to write text drafts and then delete them unsent. I feel like that was symbolic in a way for this novel.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Fight-Brave-Revolutionary-Fought/dp/035840830X/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=finish+the+fight&qid=1606587133&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ac879a653ba1fe4f071b33abb3981610&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=035840830X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=035840830X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>34. 11/27/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/36djqL7" target="_blank">Finish the Fight: The Brave and Revolutionary Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote</a> </i>by Veronica Chambers</div>YA nonfiction should be read regularly by adults. There, I said it. This was filled with a ton of history I never learned in school, and it was gorgeously presented. Upper elementary, middle school, and high school classrooms should all have this book as available and encouraged reading.<div><i> </i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Favorite-Girlfriend-was-French-Bulldog/dp/1944211772/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1YE8CTVWAFNI3&dchild=1&keywords=my+favorite+girlfriend+was+a+french+bulldog&qid=1604162513&sprefix=my+favorite+girlfrien,aps,165&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=9896960dfd79cdea040a343a5460b8d5&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1944211772&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1944211772" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>33. 10/30/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/31XS60M" target="_blank">My Favorite Girlfriend Was a French Bulldog</a> </i>by Legna Rodríguez Iglesias and Megan McDowell
Okay, I can confidently say that I am not smart enough for this book. I truly do not understand how all the short stories connected, and often, I didn't even understand who the narrator was in a story. I could, however, appreciate the beauty of the author's writing. There were passages that made me catch my breath, for even if I didn't understand who was talking or what their deal was, I was still taken with a phrasing or understood the weight of a sentence. This all made for a wholly strange reading experience.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flamer-Mike-Curato/dp/162779641X/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=flamer&qid=1603666796&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=217dc9ee55fc9d6556b3bd223c075bad&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=162779641X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=162779641X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>32. 10/24/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3kxlimH" target="_blank">Flamer</a> </i>by Mike Curato</div></div>W O A H.
This semi-autobiographical graphic novel is powerful, and the raw honesty expressed here by the adolescent protagonist is heartbreaking. As a parent of a child who I perceive as having a lot to relate to in this story, this was so, so hard to read, but imperative that I did. Please put this book in your teens' hands. Please. As a quote from a fellow graphic novel author says in the cover, "This book will save lives."<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Adults-Here-Emma-Straub-ebook/dp/B07YRVH8NN/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=all+adults+here&qid=1603233971&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=a622c4b70c066760664671d04162827e&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07YRVH8NN&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07YRVH8NN" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>31. 10/20/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/34eepRu" target="_blank">All Adults Here</a> </i>by Emma Straub</div><div>Emma Straub writes about contemporary life the way I wish I could, and I've absolutely loved everything I've ever read of her work. This novel was a deliciously slow telling of a family's story-- together and separately, and the weight and meaning of those intersections. Getting inside the heads of characters ranging from young adolescents to senior adults, Straub paints everyone in their full humanity, and those more negative aspects-- uncertainty, self-doubt, and anger high among them-- were so relatable, especially as they fit into parenting, I was moved to tears again and again.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Children-Virtue-Vengeance-Legacy-Orisha/dp/1250170990/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=166COFB088ZM0&dchild=1&keywords=children+of+virtue+and+vengeance&qid=1602530573&sprefix=children+of+vir,aps,208&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=6c2192bce92d3cb7430b75818635da4b&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1250170990&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1250170990" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>30. 10/8/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2FmeKIc" target="_blank">Children of Virtue and Vengeance</a> </i>by Tomi Adeyemi</div><div><span style="text-align: center;">Well, this one wasn't as big a hit for me than the first in the series, and I'm not sure why I had such trouble following along with the action. I struggled with the characters' often-changing alliances and perspectives with and on each other. I found this one to be even more action-driven than the first, and the result for me was a less clear understanding of the characters' mindsets. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but not nearly as much as the first book.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Children-Blood-Bone-Legacy-Orisha/dp/1250170974/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=children+of+blood+and+bone&qid=1601650824&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=8171b49baac31d511ac9f1ad5108cf70&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1250170974&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1250170974" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>29. 10/1/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cRGUXN" target="_blank">Children of Blood and Bone</a> </i>by Tomi Adeyemi</div>W O A H.
This book is all-consuming, all I could think about when I was doing anything that wasn't reading this book. My heart pounded as I devoured it- - its intensity, its violence, its rich storytelling. I read late into the nights fighting any urge to sleep just so I could stay in this magical world a little longer. Adeyemi has created a masterpiece of YA fantasy fiction here, with deep connections to real world issues of racism and injustice. Onto book two as soon as possible!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beach-Read-Emily-Henry/dp/1984806734/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=beach+read&qid=1600623922&sr=8-3&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=6b4beb22e41ae6948ef6a4ad4b3b9ff8&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1984806734&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1984806734" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>28. 9/20/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3hO9SsL" target="_blank">Beach Read</a> </i>by Emily Henry</div>I picked this book up from the library's display table in hopes that its light and breezy cover would take me away from the world for a little bit, distract me from the doom and gloom of reality right now. It sat for weeks and weeks, unread, while I struggled to connect with any book at all. Then I voraciously consumed my last read, heavy and hard, and a few days later thought it might finally be time for this one. It started as light and breezy as expected, and for just about the entire book, it followed the arc I expected when I first read the back cover summary. But like most of the "women's fiction" I've read over the years, there was a depth of realness beyond the light and breezy, and while I saw the path clearly from the beginning, I didn't necessarily realize how thorny it was going to get. This book provided both the distraction that I needed and a sincere and meaningful emotional outlet I've been avoiding.
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Water-Dancer-Novel-Ta-Nehisi-Coates/dp/0399590595/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=the+water+dancer&qid=1600048828&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=73ff242ae8a2751bb01e2471cf67ba41&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399590595&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0399590595" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>27. 9/13/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3mkoraU" target="_blank">The Water Dancer</a> </i>by Ta-Nehisi Coates</div>This is the first book that I ravenously consumed in a very, very long time, maybe all year. I was entranced by the beauty of the tale, so eloquently narrated by a fascinating protagonist. The theme of oppression shamefully relates directly to current day, yet the modern-day perspective of author Ta-Nehisi Coates fits perfectly in this period piece, for the truth is that so much remains unchanged. I especially appreciated the protagonist's awakening to the perspective of the woman he came to love, one significant incorporation of intersectionality among others. Coates has created immense beauty from inexcusable horror.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1603094024&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></div><div>26. 9/12/20</div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1603094024" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3hme4zC" target="_blank">March: Book Three</a> </i>by John Lewis, Andrey Aydin, and Nate Powell</div>
The final graphic novel in the trilogy brings readers to the 1965 March from Selma to Montgomery. There's such horror and terror depicted here that has always been a part of our nation-- from its founding to today. This novel is painful and important, and it's as timely as ever. If you have children, get this series for them, and read them yourself, too. If you don't have children, get this series for yourself.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Albert-Camus/dp/0679720200/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=GMN7U6CWC1CD&dchild=1&keywords=the+stranger+by+albert+camus&qid=1599701593&sprefix=the+stranger,aps,185&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=0073138b6e6723cf87209b4cf6935178&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0679720200&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0679720200" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div>
<div>25. 9/7/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3mabcJw" target="_blank">The Stranger</a> </i>by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward<br /><div>Was that soul-suckingly depressing or is there something about absurdism to be embraced in the mess that is 2020? Philosophy is not a subject on which I'm incredibly educated, but the little that I do know makes me think that I simultaneously have a natural inclination towards Camus' philosophical intentions with this novel, but I actually don't want to think like this. Either way, I can finally say that I've read this classic novel by Albert Camus, and it was an experience, if nothing else.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Want-More-Than-Survive-Abolitionist/dp/0807028347/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=We+Want+to+Do+More+Than+Survive:+Abolitionist+Teaching+and+the+Pursuit+of+Educational+Freedom&qid=1598202479&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=633ce58ac0d448baa6aa2faa19c8bb3a&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0807028347&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0807028347" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">24. 8/22/20</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3j24dju" target="_blank">We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom</a> </i>by Bettina L. Love<br />While this is not a long book, it took me weeks to read it, as I probably read 80% of the sections at least twice in an attempt to truly take in every word and meaning. I borrowed it from the library, but purchased a online copy today (from Harriet's Bookshop in Philly!) so that I can revisit. Bettina Love writes this in a way that is almost conversational, sharing personal experiences and perspectives to make connections to the concepts discussed. I'm encouraged to do further reading and learning about Critical Race Theory (and the various subsets of CRT). Highly recommend this to educator friends.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/March-Book-Two-John-Lewis/dp/1603094008/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=march+book+1&qid=1596411428&sr=8-5&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=b0d2edc8da2f3c168f9509c1ff79a9a8&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1603094008&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1603094008" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div><div>23. 8/1/2020</div><div><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2EKnYNR" target="_blank">March: Book Two</a> </i>by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell<br />
I continue to learn from these graphic novels-- the firsthand perspective from John Lewis is invaluable. There's so much of our country's history, especially surrounding the Civil Rights Movement, that I don't know. I appreciate how this series presents the nuances of the various organizations and their leaders' positions and commitments. The 1963 March on Washington is portrayed near the end of this book, and I encourage readers to watch filmed footage of John Lewis's speech to accompany their reading. The original draft of his speech is also provided at the end of the book, and it's interesting to see the parts that he was told to change by various forces in the movement.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1603093001" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1603093001&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">22. 7/26/20</div>
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/30KZxac" target="_blank">March: Bo</a></i><i><a href="https://amzn.to/30KZxac" target="_blank">ok One</a> </i>by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell<br />
I bought this book for my oldest child when it came out seven years ago, because I wanted him, and my other kids as they grew, to know John Lewis's story in his own telling, and I thought this presentation format would work well. I didn't read it myself, sadly, until today, and this presentation format worked beautifully for me, as well. John Lewis was a remarkable human being whose fortitude is beyond me. I appreciated the perspectives shared by this graphic novel, and I'll be moving on to book 2 tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clap-When-Land-Elizabeth-Acevedo/dp/0062882767/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=XQD7OC1616DX&dchild=1&keywords=clap+when+you+land&qid=1593737621&sprefix=clap+,aps,172&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=c7bf0075a6ead62e521b352ebefdf9d9&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062882767&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
21. 6/28/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/31FBWd6" target="_blank">Clap When You Land</a> </i>by Elizabeth Acevedo<br />
Elizabeth Acevedo's genius is so apparent here, and I was absolutely blown away. There is so much heart in this novel in verse, it's literally breathtaking. Flipping between two protagonists' narratives gives readers the opportunity to come to know each of them gradually through their shared trauma, and Acevedo skillfully crafts their characters so realistically and tenderly. Honestly, regardless of your age or gender, this is a transformative read.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Things-Save-Fire-Katherine-Center-ebook/dp/B07J4WHC78/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1593737444&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=75fe653a0dd83ffbb14f722b3183698f&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07J4WHC78&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
20. 6/7/10<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2BXKm54" target="_blank">Things You Save in a Fire</a> </i>by Katherine Center<br />
I do enjoy Center's writing style, because it is immediately familiar and friendly, balancing humor and seriousness, but I found the plot of her latest novel as predictable as some of her previous work. Although I knew what major plot points to expect as I was going along with this one, I still quite enjoyed the ride and finished the book in a day. It was a lovely escape from the heavier parts of life for a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Counting-Descent-Clint-Smith/dp/1938912659/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1TUWE95NJ9OQ&dchild=1&keywords=counting+descent&qid=1591464010&sprefix=counting+de,aps,173&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=027713af89394ba6496cf6dab7b7213f&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1938912659&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
19. 6/4/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2MBKjOs" target="_blank">Counting Descent</a> </i>by Clint Smith<br />
I often tell myself that I don't get poetry, and then I lose myself in a novel in verse or a collection of poems like this one. This collection touched me and made me think and feel deeply. Smith's vulnerability is powerful here-- strength in showing fear and admitting uncertainty. Snapshots of his life and lived experiences run the gamut of emotions. I want people in my life to read this and share in its beauty.
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1731493681" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Belinda-Blinked-characters-business-increases/dp/1731493681/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=belinda+blinked+4&qid=1591236013&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=44b7eb62bee4c69848f0566cbb61078f&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1731493681&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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18. 6/3/20</div>
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<i><a href="https://amzn.to/305AAaN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Belinda Blinked 4;: An erotic story of sexual prowess, sexy characters and even bigger business deals whilst the darkness increases;</a> </i>by Rocky Flintstone</div>
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It had been a while, but I got back to listening to the podcast, and the only reason I list these ridiculous texts posing as actual books here is that the podcast is essentially an audiobook with lively commentary. Technically, it was a story, and actually, it had more plot than any of the previous books-- there was a mystery to be solved with twists of mayhem. And a whole lot of gross-ass "sex". </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ballad-Songbirds-Snakes-Hunger-Games/dp/1338635174/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=3F5CF1KLQAYM&dchild=1&keywords=ballad+of+songbirds+and+snakes&qid=1590964972&sprefix=ballad,aps,171&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=dcb7fa97f9301e2933e14504966a6495&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1338635174&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
17. 5/31/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2XOdAKU" target="_blank">The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes</a> </i>by Suzanne Collins<br />
Well, that was something. No spoilers, don't worry, but I can say that this was a roller coaster of emotions, including compassion, even when it felt disgusting to be moved like that. It's hard to say much without saying too much, but if you are a fan of the trilogy, this one definitely should be on your TBR list. My copy is filled with dog-eared pages which make side references to words or phrases that we know well from the trilogy, and it was a treat to learn how some things originated.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Evan-Hansen-Val-Emmich-ebook/dp/B07B8FS9PJ/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=285BWP60QOD5B&dchild=1&keywords=dear+evan+hansen+book&qid=1590426143&sprefix=dear+eva,aps,260&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=1f243ed90aa58228124597f0f9812dce&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07B8FS9PJ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
16. 5/24/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Xswff1" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a></i><br />
I'm not familiar with the play other than its most well-known song, and I knew nothing beyond a very basic understanding of the plot before I picked this up. But, the 14-year-old had read it last year and loved it, so I took her recommendation. I'm kinda torn on it, honestly, and I'm predicting that it works much better on stage than on the page. I was troubled by how far the title character took the conflict, and for much of the time, I was cringing so hard, I wasn't entirely enjoying the read. I was more than a bit shocked by the resolution, even though I empathized with EH on the anxiety front and was glad for him in the end. I'm definitely curious about the show now and will be searching for video clips.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wife-Said-You-Want-Marry-ebook/dp/B07QLDQKT6/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=2Z5DCV9A5GWTK&dchild=1&keywords=my+wife+said+you+may+want+to+marry+me&qid=1589899022&sprefix=my+wife+said,aps,220&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=af84eb62abf21ebe34754332a210b8b4&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07QLDQKT6&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
15. 5/17/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2WJj75V" target="_blank">My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me</a> </i>by Jason Rosenthal<br />
Amy Krouse Rosenthal holds a special place in my heart. Her children's books have always delighted me and my kids, and her memoirs were like nothing I'd ever read before, made so special with her unique creative eye and heart. The kids and I were fortunate enough to have taken part in a few of her incredible projects, and we had the amazing opportunity to meet her and chat with her on two different occasions at the National Book Festival. I knew that reading this book by her husband Jason was going to hurt, but I also hoped it would be a joyful experience, too, to get an intimate look into her shared life with her partner and family. I wasn't disappointed, because Jason shares so much with us readers, and my appreciation and awe and amazement for AKR has only grown to greater heights. She was genuinely one-of-a-kind. She made this world better and continues to do so even now. This love letter to his wife is an emotionally raw depiction of grief, as well, and what comes afterward. Be sure to have a full box of tissues nearby.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Requirement-Novel-Julie-Schumacher/dp/0525432612/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=c869b3cbcb0bab4a72137df96de11d5e&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0525432612&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
14. 5/14/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Lt7FVJ" target="_blank">The Shakespeare Requirement</a> </i>by Julie Schumacher<br />
I had read the previous book by Schumacher that also took place at Payne University late last year, after working at a university for a few months. I read this one during a pandemic that is only exacerbating our university's already extreme budget crisis. All of that is to say that its darkly humorous take on uni politics was again spot on, but was a bit more challenging to read for entertainment this time around.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Our-House-Fire-Scenes-Family-ebook/dp/B082H2LQ9Q/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=house+is+on+fire&qid=1589129904&sr=8-5&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=9a1bc396a9b2300b9d8220d0a6749e6d&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B082H2LQ9Q&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
13. 5/9/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2xUv27C" target="_blank">Our House is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis</a> </i>by Greta Thunberg, Svante Thunberg, Malena Ernman, and Beata Ernman<br />
The image of Greta Thunberg giving Donald Trump a fearless, intense staredown was epic, and that scene is more powerful than ever after learning about Greta's struggles and perseverance. This book is part family memoir, and part rallying cry with hard science facts at every turn. Those in positions of power must change the systems so as to even start to make a difference in the current climate crisis. Full stop. Greta is an incredible spokesperson and she is bearing an immense burden for humankind. We need to start sharing in it.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Crawdads-Sing-Delia-Owens/dp/0735219095/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1A107AGEZVEDP&dchild=1&keywords=where+the+crawdads+sing&qid=1587950337&sprefix=where+the+c,aps,179&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=8c06c820c303bbc9c808343f5a4cbad4&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0735219095&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B082H2LQ9Q" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />12. 4/26/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cSEmr8" target="_blank">Where the Crawdads Sing</a> </i>by Delia Owens<br />
Woah, this book absolutely pulled me in, and I devoured it in a day. The protagonist's love and appreciation for the natural world, as the only constant and reliable presence in her life, came through so beautifully, making me feel like I was out on the marshlands with her. This character was fascinating and compelling, a study in trauma and human survival, and the psychological effects of both. After months of not wanting to read, I spent most of the day reading this novel, or longing to do so while begrudgingly doing other tasks. Highly recommend.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Red-White-Royal-Blue-Novel-ebook/dp/B07J4LPZRN/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=red+white+and&qid=1587836308&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=1cdc4719eec9437a55d2a14aa4d89df8&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07J4LPZRN&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
11. 4/25/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Y5ypTC" target="_blank">Red, White, & Royal Blue</a> </i>by Casey McQuiston<br />
That was EXACTLY what I needed. Unlike the impression I got from the cover, this book turned out to be very much not a YA novel. In fact, there were some surprisingly steamy scenes! Altogether it was an incredibly sweet coming-of-age romance in an extreme situation. I loved feeling immersed in a story again, and I was sad to say goodbye to these delightful characters in the end. This is perfect distraction reading right now!
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Because-Internet-Understanding-Rules-Language-ebook/dp/B076GNS3J4/ref=as_li_ss_il?dchild=1&keywords=because+internet&qid=1587662232&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=480aab1b8b00dc3599756b39d04c6ef5&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B076GNS3J4&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
10. 4/22/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2XYdYYQ">Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language</a> </i>by Gretchen McCulloch<br />
I quite enjoyed this linguist's take on the internet's contributions to the ongoing development of the English language. It was fun to see where I fit in on the timeline of internet people and to compare the differences between my place and my kids'. The chapters on the contributions of emoji and memes were probably my favorite parts in the way that they made me examine language in an altogether new way.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Girls-Intimate-Untold-Secrets-ebook/dp/B07PZ4H1N2/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=AHNUWC96B7R8&dchild=1&keywords=dear+girls+ali+wong&qid=1587385668&sprefix=dear+g,aps,182&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=f90bca363733ca277eb98872040fc388&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07PZ4H1N2&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
9. 4/19/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2VLRhV9" target="_blank">Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life</a> </i>by Ali Wong<br />
Man, I wish I had enjoyed this one more. I was never compelled to sit and read this for more than 15 minutes or so at a time, and I'm not exactly sure why that was, but I just couldn't get into her personal narratives. I love her stand-up, but this was a big miss for me.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Blue-Crayon-Integrate-Emotional-dp-1625310110/dp/1625310110/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1586865805&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ca59011680df1bc11833ae567ac510fb&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1625310110&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1625310110" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />8. 4/12/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2xsw7TN" target="_blank">Sharing the Blue Crayon: How to Integrate Social, Emotional, and Literacy Learning</a> </i>by Mary Anne Buckley<br />
This was a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read that I strongly recommend to ECE friends. Even though it's been years since I had my own classroom, I was reminded of so many former students as I read Buckley's anecdotes, and I think this book could have strengthened my teaching approaches back in the day.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Other-Words-Home-Jasmine-Warga/dp/0062747800/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=XDV0E7HXQU1C&keywords=other+words+for+home&qid=1581866253&sprefix=other+words,aps,196&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=0f66c2877045b8172da97124c557f486&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062747800&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
7. 2/15/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2SxDUHR" target="_blank">Other Words for Home</a> </i>by Jasmine Warga<br />
I've been in a reading slump, not really wanting to pick up a book and not finding any to change my mind. When the ALA Youth Media awards were announced, I put several of the honorees on hold at the library for the kids, but this cover of a Newbery Honor drew me in. Categorized as a middle-grade novel, it contains so much more depth than I had expected. In simple and straightforward verse, Warga brings to life a young voice experiencing displacement, cultural loneliness, and family separation, in a way that is honest and affecting. I do hope my kids will take my recommendation on this one! (But, they're doing that less and less these days, so maybe your kid will??)
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boys-Sex-Hookups-Navigating-Masculinity-ebook/dp/B07RFLTCD8/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1580695680&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=1910cf5440c7670fd120f71864038b10&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07RFLTCD8&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07RFLTCD8" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />6. 2/1/19<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2OnYjMZ" target="_blank">Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinit</a>y </i>by Peggy Orenstein<br />
I know I say this about a lot of novels I read, because I want someone I know to share in the experience I had in reading a piece of fiction. But when I say that this one is a book that YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY READ, I'm not saying it lightly or for entertainment purposes. I'm saying it because I truly believe this book is imperative in helping adults to understand-- and hopefully, disrupt-- the current status of how boys learn to become men. This is a heavy, but very accessible read, and I cannot recommend it strongly enough.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Travelling-Cat-Chronicles-Hiro-Arikawa/dp/0451491335/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=2O7842FZCZLY&keywords=traveling+cat+chronicles&qid=1578452343&sprefix=traveling+cat,aps,164&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=2e6e4838adc751f0aeff071dd88cab59&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0451491335&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
5. 1/7/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2s358eO" target="_blank">The Travelling Cat Chronicles</a> </i>by Hiro Arikawa and Philip Gabriel<br />
I read most of this delightfully tender novel with my always-attentive dog on my lap, which perfectly captured the loving feelings of this book. Though I was bawling by the end, my dog never left my side, just groaned a bit and snuggled in closer. This book is for anyone who read that description and smiled, for those of us who know what it is to connect with an animal and who treasure that love.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Down-Jason-Reynolds/dp/1481438263/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=long+way+down&qid=1578261279&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=fe05999322e28e44ee36ea62a7a48ee0&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1481438263&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
4. 1/5/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2QHvRpq" target="_blank">Long Way Down</a> </i>by Jason Reynolds<br />
Holy hell, this is a powerful book. The verse format adds to the power, and it sounds like the internal monologue of a teenager in crisis. So much pain and sadness combined with the rules he feels he must follow make for a heart-wrenching story.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Will-Cat-Eat-Eyeballs-Questions/dp/039365270X/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=BMSKJ91EJ937&keywords=cat+eat+my+eyeballs&qid=1578192439&sprefix=cat+eat+m,aps,169&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=5da7bac8270148f9ab3b3338444b7e03&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=039365270X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
3. 1/4/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2MTcY1F" target="_blank">Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death</a> </i>by Caitlin Doughty<br />
I found Doughty's previous book FROM HERE TO ETERNITY fascinating-- unflinching accounts of how different cultures all over the world handle death. This one is more biology than sociology or anthropology. More than 30 questions-- asked by children no less!-- about what happens to bodies after death and more in that vein are answered by this mortician who is never shy about the realities of death but keeps a gently humorous tone to her writing to reassure readers that it's okay to talk about such things. I chuckled several times, and I actually learned a lot!
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Our-Story-Begins-Illustrators-Occasionally/dp/1481472089/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=our+story+begins&qid=1578192293&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=3eb74f73f742709296c5f654da06d01b&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1481472089&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
2. 1/4/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2QnHl2s" target="_blank">Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids</a> </i>by Elisa Brent Weissman<br />
I happened upon this book at work when cleaning out a storage area, and realizing how many of the children's authors featured were among my favorites, I knew I had to read it. What a joy this 2017 book is for young people who dream of becoming writers and illustrators-- seeing their childhood creations can bring a feeling of connectedness. I have so many of the little books, poems, and humorous drawings I made as a kid in my memory boxes, so I loved this whole collection.
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Untitled-Jason-Reynolds-w-t/dp/148143828X/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=look+both+ways&qid=1578000532&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=5317948dbc7d1332b672f73bdfeec4c9&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=148143828X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
1. 1/1/20<br />
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Qjwy9K" target="_blank">Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks</a> </i>by Jason Reynolds<br />
Jason Reynolds has created an entire community of middle schoolers
with unique personalities and experiences in this notable middle
grade/early YA book. More than a collection of short stories, each
chapter connects with the others in subtle but meaningful ways,
deepening understanding of the large cast of characters for the reader. I
quite enjoyed the ways characters and scenarios were developed that
made me rethink my biased first impressions, especially in relation to
young people and teens of color. I only wish there were more chapters,
because I could spend a lot more time with these kids. <br />
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Happy reading,<br />
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-80040291483875255692019-12-31T14:14:00.000-05:002019-12-31T14:14:19.836-05:00but we've wander'd mony a weary foot sin auld lang syne<br />
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At what point do you declare something a relic of the past? If you're me, that's a question that often doesn't get answered, because even if it's a dying tradition and no one else cares a lick about it, I'm still likely to keep it on life support. This blog, and more specifically to this moment in time, this annual end-of-the-year post are both currently fitting in this category. Sure, I haven't written anything much this entire year, but a tradition is a tradition, and this just happens to be one that I adore immensely. </div>
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Back in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2007/12/i-do-love-me-good-list.html" target="_blank">2007</a>, our family had a pretty monumental year, welcoming our third and final child to the crew, and I took all that new mama pride and combined it with my appreciation for anything even resembling a list. And that's how a new tradition was born that year, as well. Each year since, I've spent the last week of December jotting down notes and scrolling through pictures from the previous twelve months in order to find ten happy highlights to focus on and finish out the year on a high note. The results live on forever here on the blog for all the years since: <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2008/12/oh-what-year-its-been.html" target="_blank">2008</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2009/12/mandatory-end-of-year-sappy-post.html" target="_blank">2009</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2010/12/yup-its-another-top-ten.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2011/12/winter-break-blogging-chapter-ten-which.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2012/12/counting-down-2012.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2013/12/where-did-year-go.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2014/12/the-good-the-bad-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2015/12/whered-time-go.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2016/12/these-are-days.html" target="_blank">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2017/12/counting-em-down.html" target="_blank">2017</a> and <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2018/12/walking-down-2018-memory-lane.html" target="_blank">2018</a>.<br />
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So even in recent years when my personal writing has waned, I find myself at the end of December compelled to keep the tradition alive. Maybe these posts will bring a smile to my elderly face in years to come, or perhaps one of the kids will read them when they're adults and wonder how in the hell they made it through their childhood raised by such a weirdo. Whatever comes, I know that this is how I will wrap up 2019, a year of many ups and downs-- with ten ups and wishes for many more to come.<br />
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<b>The Top Ten Things that I Liked, Laughed At, Smiled About, or Generally-Remember-in-a-Fond-Way of 2019:</b><br />
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<b>10. <i>It's like wild kingdom out there.</i></b><br />
We moved into our beloved home a little over two years ago, and since the very beginning, we've delighted in looking out our living room windows and seeing all sorts of creatures. Okay, it's not like they're unusual animals, but the chipmunks, groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and wide variety of birds <span style="font-size: x-small;">(who are notoriously hard to photograph with my cell phone!)</span> make me smile, nonetheless. This year, we even have a fawn that is <a href="https://blog.nature.org/science/2016/02/03/white-deer-understanding-a-common-animal-of-uncommon-color/" target="_blank">leucistic</a>-- lots of white patches all over its body. We've only seen that one with its family a few times this fall and winter, and no good pic... yet.<br />
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And when I'm not watching the mammalian or avian wildlife, I just might be enamored with a bug of some kind. This year saw more new bug discoveries for me and along with my obsession with the app <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app" target="_blank">Seek</a>, I got to more easily identify many of them. I know this might not be most folks' thing, but damn if a cool bug doesn't make me happy.<br />
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<b>9. <i>What is felix felicis?</i></b><br />
Our favorite place in town is a lovely wine bar owned by a dear friend, and this year we <strike>somehow got roped into</strike> agreed to host <span style="font-size: x-small;">(almost)</span> monthly trivia nights there around the theme of Harry Potter! Some nights saw small to medium crowds, and one night we had 22 teams, which made for some looooonnng scoring breaks for me and the hubby! I may have been literally shaken with wild nerves before each night, but I most definitely had a ton of fun with a microphone in my hand in front of a crowd. The work of creating the questions beforehand takes a while, so one of the first things I need to do in the new year is prepare for our first trivia night of 2020!<br />
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<b>8. <i>Selfies with the dogs are my favorite kinds of selfies!</i></b><br />
I'm a big fan of taking selfies-- documenting fun places I've been and wacky things I've done always lends itself well to selfies, but the best kind are the ones that I make my dogs take with me. It's not too hard a thing to do, since anytime I'm at home, I'm 99% likely to have at least one dog either on me or within arm's reach. Max and Minny are incredibly loving and usually snuggly, and I want them to live forever and ever because I love them so. And look how photogenic they are??<br />
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<b>7. <i>How did we get so lucky in one lifetime?</i></b><br />
Unfortunately, 2019 will forever be marked as the year of many family tears, as we lost two beloved members. My uncle Tommy, a sweet soul was taken much too early care of a heartless driver who hit him and left him to die. My family was devastated, and as we do, we cried and laughed and laughed and cried together for the week that I was able to be there. I returned to CT again six months later for the funeral of my 91-year-old grandma, and again, I spent time with my wacky extended family alternately laughing and crying. That's how we do-- there was so much laughter each time, which helped us all. I adore these folks, even if we don't get to see each other too often, and each time I'm back there, I'm reminded of where I come from and who helped make me become the person I am today. I'm grateful beyond expression for them all-- my incredible parents and my slew of aunts, uncles, and cousins.<br />
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And when you don't live near family, you work hard to find the people who may not be related to you but with whom you share a strong enough affinity that they soon become just like family. We are so fortunate to have a plethora of these people in our lives, and these honorary family members play such an important role in our lives. For me, these are the people who truly know me and for some reason keep answering my calls. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Or more likely texts and FB messages filled with inappropriate memes and gifs.)</span> I don't know what I'd do without these friendships-- the casual hangouts, the weekend trips away, the murder mystery adventure<span style="font-size: x-small;">(s?)</span>, the IKEA wackiness, the texting about personal joys and pains, the board games and glasses of wine-- they've all become dear, dear parts of my life, and for all of them, I am thankful.<br />
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<b>6. <i>#GotAJob2019</i></b><br />
This year started with me still in recovery mode from my hysterectomy surgery, but I knew it was time to figure out my employment sitch. I wanted to get away from direct care and education of young children, but my heart will always be in the field, so what could I do? It turns out that the perfect job was just around the corner in mid-2019. I'm thrilled to have five months under my belt in an administrative position at a university in which I still support education and educators! My colleagues are truly amazing people, and I continue to learn more and more on the job. I have a lovely office which I quickly made my own, and while I'll never be a fan of waking up at 6 am, I do head in every day happy to get to work.<br />
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<b>5. <i>This kid knows who they are!</i></b><br />
I haven't blogged about the kids in a while, in great part because they're all adolescents now living their own complex lives. So, suffice it to say that it's been an eventful year for our youngest. This kid has had some ups and downs, but one thing that came out of 2019 is a feeling that our 'baby' is truly finding their own way in the world. This was the year that funky colored hair found its way back into our lives through our youngest, and I love the way this kid looks in both purple <span style="font-size: x-small;">(what it started out as)</span> and pink <span style="font-size: x-small;">(what it turned into)</span> hair. I believe 2020 will bring a new color and a new look, and I know that this kid will always make me smile.<br />
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<b>4. <i>What a dazzling smile!!</i></b><br />
With the kids, I could obviously pick any of a million things to post about that made me smile throughout the year, but I try to pick one little thing to highlight without going too cray into their personal lives. For our middle child, this was an easy choice, because 2019 brought to an end a two-year run of struggles... that's right, this year saw the removal of <span style="font-size: x-small;">(almost all)</span> the mouth hardware and the emergence of an amazing smile that shows all the pain she persevered through! This kid had to endure the horror of a palate expander, external headgear, and braces for two years, and now with only retainers remaining, she is showing off her proud smile everywhere she goes. I know none of it has been even close to easy, but the strength that she showed through it all blew me away. When she smiles, we all smile now!<br />
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<b>3. <i>More and more freedom each year for this one!</i></b><br />
This year saw our oldest get his driving license, and just in time to start taking some college courses and provide occasional chauffeuring services for his siblings' various evening activities. As I am a non-driving adult, this has come in handy at times, and I appreciate his willingness to help out. This kid has also had a year of ups and downs, and lots of new experiences, and even when he drives us up a wall <span style="font-size: x-small;">(so far just figuratively!)</span>, he's still our first baby and we love him dearly. We hope the new year brings him even more smiles and successes.<br />
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<b>2. <i>Time is all we need.</i></b><br />
This summer, Hubby and I were given the most amazing gift there is-- time to be together. With the two younger kids away on an adventure with their grandmother and the eldest working and doing his own thing, Hubby and I were left with time to go out together, hang out with friends, and even get away on our own. That's right, we did something we've long wanted to do-- we went camping for a weekend all by ourselves. We didn't even bring the dogs, so there was no reason whatsoever to get up early or leave the hammock unless we wanted to. While the beginning of the weekend was a bit rocky, care of a flooded state park that we didn't expect and that caused us to have to scramble a bit to find a replacement site, but once we got it all figured out, it was a weekend of pure bliss. Eggs and ham for dinner by the campfire, lounging away a gorgeous day, backgammon championships, heading into town for a stroll and some grub, enjoying the outdoors without having to think about anyone else's needs... perfection. This guy has brought a smile to my face for over 25 years now, and this camping weekend was just one of many happy times of 2019.<br />
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<b>1. <i>A couple days on a beautiful isle seeing a little up-and-coming show...</i></b><br />
Thanks to the generosity of some amazing family members <span style="font-size: x-small;">(thank you again, and a million times more, you guys!!)</span>, I joined my cousins and aunt back in January on a short jaunt to the freaking gorgeous island of Puerto Rico. While there, we walked around almost all of Old San Juan, ate some delicious food, practiced our various levels of Español, and went to see a little show called <i>Hamilton</i>. The lead just happened to be THE Lin-Manuel Miranda, performing on his very own birthday!! The show was more than I could ever have expected, and I didn't have enough eyeballs to see all the things I wanted to see simultaneously. Though I didn't blog much this year, there was no way this <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/01/si-somos-boricua-ha-ahora-que-se-sepa.html" target="_blank">once-in-a-lifetime trip</a> wasn't going to be documented here. So no need to go into the details, or even to show all the pictures again, except for this one. I do believe that this may have been the cheesiest, goofiest, most-facial-muscles-ever-used-in-one-expression smile I smiled all year, and it was all because I happened to be standing next to THE Luis A. Miranda, Jr. as I waited to purchase all the merchandise at the Tee Rico stand before the show. I about lost my mind, and thankfully one of my cousins had the foresight to capture the moment on video, so I have a record of sounding absolutely bananas as I thanked him for raising the Shakespeare of our generation. Yup, #Isaidit and #Imnotevenembarrassed. This pic isn't flattering in the least, my bra strap is visible, my squinted eyes are apparently incapable of taking in what is happening, and I am the happiest I could possibly be in this moment.<br />
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There you have it-- a year that was filled with some amazing ups and downs, but at the end of it all, it's really only the ups that I want to focus on. Who knows what 2020 will bring. Clarity? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ha, couldn't help myself!)</span>. A new administration? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease. PLEASE.)</span> We'll have a middle schooler, a high schooler, and a college kid. We'll celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, and friend getaways. And if there's anyone out there reading this, I hope you and yours are treated to joy, love, and laughter in the measures that we've been fortunate to experience.<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #333333;">Title inspiration: "<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/31/us/auld-lang-syne-history-lyrics-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">Au</a></span><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/31/us/auld-lang-syne-history-lyrics-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">ld Lang Syne</a>" by Robert Burns</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-50235751309604310272019-08-16T07:00:00.000-04:002019-08-16T12:06:06.258-04:00friday's five, new beginnings<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDSJHpGRWHQB-UaRIIgIahZ7RqMJuYWI2h2CnRmMIF6on5qTqqS-uacKIkyj6yTMEyAv4HgS9C7Edt3klCxBf5HlgFe4AU1e_dODgR_MM6bV5bEGD_DnyrrnNdmtMI_YF-_K/s1600/fridays_five_button_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="546" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDSJHpGRWHQB-UaRIIgIahZ7RqMJuYWI2h2CnRmMIF6on5qTqqS-uacKIkyj6yTMEyAv4HgS9C7Edt3klCxBf5HlgFe4AU1e_dODgR_MM6bV5bEGD_DnyrrnNdmtMI_YF-_K/s320/fridays_five_button_XL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Recently, I began a new chapter in my life-- a return to the full-time workforce, and in an administrative position in a higher education setting, to boot! I am beyond thrilled for this opportunity to support three centers that each focus on work with students in areas that I truly value so highly. I found a golden ticket, I tell ya.<br />
<br />
I've spent the last three weeks trying to make sense of a smorgasbord of acronyms, finding my way around a new building, collecting keys to open a variety of doors, and trying to overcome my personal challenge in remembering names. It's most definitely a new beginning for me, and it made me think about picture books that celebrate first days and fresh starts. I could use the reassurance of these types of books right about now!<br />
<br />
So here are a handful of books that you might find fitting for use in your classroom as you start a new year, or at home with your child as you prep together for new changes on the horizon, like a new school or a family move, or perhaps for yourself, sitting at a new desk, in a new building, surrounded by <span style="font-size: x-small;">(mostly)</span> new people, wondering if you'll ever know what you're doing. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ahem.)</span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1368046452" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pigeon-HAS-Go-School/dp/1368046452/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=The+Pigeon+HAS+to+Go+to+School!&qid=1565969094&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQTdEQjZXMEVGNDRBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjg1NTIyMTZESjBWSlVVRzlMQSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDA4MTA3Mk9PM0tKREpYUlRUVyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ecde687ac1b36d46fdd616a275cd7bbe&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1368046452&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<h2>
1. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Zb8Q0m" target="_blank">The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!</a> </i>written and illustrated by Mo Willems</h2>
Okay,
I've been a fan of the Pigeon since he first burst on the scene longing
to drive a bus. I immediately bought every subsequent picture book he
appeared in, and while I liked each of them, they did feel slightly <i>less than</i> the
original, in some kind-of<i>-</i>hard-to-describe way. To me, this latest
edition, some sixteen years after the original, has recaptured some of
the magic of the original. I adored this book from my first read, and I
even made the 11- and 13-year-olds listen to it as a read-aloud, because
I happen to be a big fan of my Pigeon voice. Pigeon is back to his
obstinate-- but malleable-- ways, perfectly reminiscent of so many of the
preschoolers I've known in my life. This will be a joy to read to a
group, and I'm excited the Pigeon has come back for another round.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Boy-Trudy-Ludwig/dp/1582464502/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=2ZQTX9YTA3BGD&keywords=the+invisible+boy&qid=1565969225&s=gateway&sprefix=the+invisiible,aps,143&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=706574aadec216c45b37d111d346601b&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1582464502&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<h2>
2.<i> <a href="https://amzn.to/31GBBUl" target="_blank">The Invisible Boy</a> </i>written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton</h2>
If you are a classroom teacher, please, please, please add this to your read alouds list. This story of a boy who feels left out among his peers is paced beautifully, giving time to focus on the feelings of the protagonist, Brian, and to allow young readers to get a sense of who he is as a kid. I imagine many kids will feel a kinship with Brian, perhaps not always the ones who the teachers might predict. Students who feel 'invisible' may not always be on a busy teacher's radar, and this book is a gentle reminder for the adults in education settings, too! The beauty of a new friendship blossoming makes this a delightful story, and the suggested questions for educators and families in the back are worded in a loving way that will encourage discussion.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1536201936" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Home-Tania-Regil/dp/1536201936/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=A+New+Home+Tania+de+Regil&qid=1565970155&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=e7efb812c5260b5d3a39da695ec0e8c1&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1536201936&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<h2>
3. <a href="https://amzn.to/31H5qnR" target="_blank"><i>A New Home</i></a> written and illustrated by Tania de Regil</h2>
I
like this picture book's unique take on the theme of a family moving
away. Two children talk about what they will miss when they move from
one city to another, and readers quickly figure out that the children
are each moving to the other's city! So when they talk about the places
they love and the things they worry about missing, there's a built-in
reassurance for readers that these characters will find new places and
activities to love after they move. There is a calm tone to the book, an
impression that it's okay for these children to express their sadness
and worry because they have supportive families and will come to feel at
home in their new cities.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0440417996" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Name-Jar-Yangsook-Choi/dp/0440417996/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0440417996&pd_rd_r=c9fe5789-b5d6-4a92-8721-179267b9b8f7&pd_rd_w=ZZjql&pd_rd_wg=COmm5&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=9F78R0DA28JP30C10VS9&psc=1&refRID=9F78R0DA28JP30C10VS9&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=7b804654afea17d5de5a9499b88aff02&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0440417996&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<h2>
4. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2YW4fEc" target="_blank">The Name Jar</a> </i>written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi</h2>
This is an older book, but its message is perhaps more important now than ever, with a national climate of xenophobia that even the youngest children among us can pick up on. (Sigh.) A new student who has just emigrated from Korea, Unhei, is worried about her American classmates being unable to pronounce her name correctly, as well as generally feeling different than her peers. She says she will be picking a name soon, and her new classmates offer many typical American names, but these names just don't feel right. Will she become comfortable being her true self with her new peers? This book provides comfort and reassurance to children who may feel like outsiders, with the needed message of respect for the things that some can consider differences. Talking with children about perspective is important-- would an Amanda feel the same way in Korea? <br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0399246533" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Day-You-Begin-Jacqueline-Woodson/dp/0399246533/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=The+Day+You+Begin&qid=1565970752&s=books&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=6218ebabaee2b327f0841e87c4a30213&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399246533&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<h2>
5. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/31FOluz" target="_blank">The Day You Begin</a> </i>written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López</h2>
I've talked about this one before in <a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/2019/02/fridays-five-plus-bonus-two-2018-cybils.html" target="_blank">a previous <i>Friday's Five </i>post</a>, but it absolutely deserves another moment in the spotlight. I suggested it to an incredibly thoughtful friend who is newish classroom teacher, and she just told me this morning that she read it to her second grade class during their first week. Not only did the entire class engage positively with it, but she said that her ESL students appeared "visibly relieved." I teared up when I read that, and I've got goosebumps right now while typing the words. This is a perfect book for welcoming children, and with the opening line, there is an acknowledgement that is rarely stated outright in children's lit: <i>"There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you." </i>This acknowledgement takes different forms that may connect with different children. But, there is hope here, too, in active ways that all children can understand and replicate. There is just so much beauty in this book, and I think children and adults alike benefit from sharing it!<br />
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Saying yes to new beginnings,<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-35631373662498598632019-07-26T07:00:00.000-04:002019-07-26T07:00:08.610-04:00friday's five, for the love of grandparents<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDSJHpGRWHQB-UaRIIgIahZ7RqMJuYWI2h2CnRmMIF6on5qTqqS-uacKIkyj6yTMEyAv4HgS9C7Edt3klCxBf5HlgFe4AU1e_dODgR_MM6bV5bEGD_DnyrrnNdmtMI_YF-_K/s1600/fridays_five_button_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="546" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDSJHpGRWHQB-UaRIIgIahZ7RqMJuYWI2h2CnRmMIF6on5qTqqS-uacKIkyj6yTMEyAv4HgS9C7Edt3klCxBf5HlgFe4AU1e_dODgR_MM6bV5bEGD_DnyrrnNdmtMI_YF-_K/s320/fridays_five_button_XL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The relationship between a grandparent and grandchild can be a truly special one that allows for the sharing of heritage and culture. Sometimes, grandparents can be a little more playful and indulgent than parents, and these relationships make for perfect storybook fodder! Here's to the grandparents in our children's lives.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=177138963X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ojiichans-Gift-Chieri-Uegaki/dp/177138963X/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=Ojiichan%27s+Gift&qid=1564086961&s=books&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=6dc926e74c4b1d6cdcc24e194ede564e&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=177138963X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<h2>
1. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2SEkrU6" target="_blank">Ojiichan's Gift</a> </i>written by Chieri Uegaki and illustrated by Genevieve Simms</h2>
A child and her grandfather's special relationship is the focus of this picture book, and they share lovely visits in the rock and sand garden Ojiichan made in his backyard especially for her. Ever since she was a small child, Mayumi has helped her grandfather keep the garden clean and free of weeds, and she has come to love the serenity found in raking circles around the large rocks. But, as she grows, Ojiichan becomes unable to keep up with his home and garden, and Mayumi feels angry and sad at the impending change that will mean a loss of this special garden for them both. She comes up with an idea that helps them both deal with the changes.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1459816145" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Plan-Pops-Heather-Smith/dp/1459816145/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=A+Plan+for+Pops&qid=1564086890&s=books&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=331502ad7bde298617546668a48a1806&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1459816145&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
<h2>
2. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2LDQS4p" target="_blank">A Plan for Pops</a> </i>written by Heather Smith and illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan</h2>
Little Lou loves spending Saturdays with his grandfathers, Grandad and Pops. They make a fun pair with unique interests and habits, and Lou likes to join each of them in their pursuits. They each teach him different life skills, too, from perseverance at challenging tasks to appreciation for everything silly and fun. But one day, Pops has a bit of a fall and his daily life is changed moving forward. Grandad and Lou work hard to show him their love and bring him back to his old jolly self. A loving relationship between a child and his grandparents is delightful, and the depiction is of a same-sex couple in the familial roles is natural and inclusive.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1553797795" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aw%C3%A2sis-World-Famous-Bannock-Debwe-English/dp/1553797795/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=Aw%C3%A2sis+and+the+World-Famous+Bannock&qid=1564086676&s=books&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=3d2aa4ff23b49624b3cc95a39982adf1&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1553797795&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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3. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Yl1x5O" target="_blank">Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock</a> </i>written by Dallas Hunt and illustrated by Amanda Strong</h2>
A young child is sent on an errand to deliver special home baked goods, and in her child's playful way, accidentally dropped the whole basket into the water while skipping over a bridge. Her cries are heard by the animals of the forest who offer replacement ingredients to bring home to her grandmother to make a new batch of bannock. She's worried that her grandmother will be angry with her, but Kôhkum is understanding and they work together to make some more. It's a straightforward and simple story for young children to follow, and it's a learning opportunity for parents and children to explore some words from the Cree language. Pronunciation guide and glossary are in the back for adults to consult throughout the reading.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1680101412" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tide-Clare-Helen-Welsh/dp/1680101412/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=The+Tide+Clare+Helen+Welsh&qid=1564086635&s=books&sr=1-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=6f684e3a1abac3761153a266f60a83c5&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1680101412&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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4. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2YfJU7p" target="_blank">The Tide</a> </i>written by Clare Helen Welsh and illustrated by Ashling Lindsay</h2>
Picture books can be a great resource in helping young children understand the experience of having an aging grandparent struggle with dementia or Alzheimer's. This special book does so in a loving and gentle way, with a simile played out through the story-- <i>"Mommy says Grandpa's memories are like the tide. Sometimes, they're near and full of life. Other times, they're distant and quiet." </i>Helping to make this idea more concrete, much of the story takes place during a day at the beach. The girl compares some of her grandfather's struggles to challenges she has experienced, all with the reassurance that someone is always there to support them both.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=155498954X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grandmothers-Visit-Betty-Quan/dp/155498954X/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=155498954X&pd_rd_r=907dc0bf-25e4-4ca5-b420-cb373c8723db&pd_rd_w=LU9JG&pd_rd_wg=qpAuU&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=9577H29T05PFW0RM7QHS&psc=1&refRID=9577H29T05PFW0RM7QHS&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=f726620cc397c2786372b8e2115c9c0e&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=155498954X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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5. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2SCFoPo" target="_blank">Grandmother's Visit</a> </i>written by Betty Quan and illustrated by Carmen Mok</h2>
When Grandmother comes to live with her family, Grace loves to spend time with her, learning how to cook and hearing about her childhood memories. Their shared time is special and precious to both of them, and Grace looks forward to seeing her first every day when she leaves school. But, as time goes by, Grace's grandmother isn't able to do the same things, and after a bit, she dies. Grace is devastated, and her mother finds a loving way for the family to say goodbye. This book may help children dealing with their own loss of a grandparent or grandparent figure, with its gentle tone and emphasis on love and shared experiences.<br />
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With picture book love,<br />
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<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; border: medium none;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-84228264824110841462019-07-19T07:00:00.000-04:002019-07-19T07:00:02.365-04:00friday's five, emotions in motion<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDSJHpGRWHQB-UaRIIgIahZ7RqMJuYWI2h2CnRmMIF6on5qTqqS-uacKIkyj6yTMEyAv4HgS9C7Edt3klCxBf5HlgFe4AU1e_dODgR_MM6bV5bEGD_DnyrrnNdmtMI_YF-_K/s1600/fridays_five_button_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="546" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDSJHpGRWHQB-UaRIIgIahZ7RqMJuYWI2h2CnRmMIF6on5qTqqS-uacKIkyj6yTMEyAv4HgS9C7Edt3klCxBf5HlgFe4AU1e_dODgR_MM6bV5bEGD_DnyrrnNdmtMI_YF-_K/s320/fridays_five_button_XL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For some families, summertime can mean more family time, which for us often meant more time for reading together when the kids were younger. I liked to think about what themes we were reading about and how they could relate to my kids' lives, and with three <i>very </i>emotionally expressive children, I often looked for books that could help them make sense out of what they were feeling.<br />
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This week's roundup of picture books addresses different kinds of feelings and experiences, so here's hoping that something might catch your eye for your own family reading time or, if you're a teacher friend, something that you think would be a useful addition to your classroom reading.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0525707182" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Sadness-at-Your-Door/dp/0525707182/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=When+Sadness+is+at+Your+Door&qid=1563465122&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=66e559a6159d1089353e4e8840835f55&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0525707182&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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1. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/32CYjOK" target="_blank">When Sadness is at Your Door</a> </i>written and illustrated by Eva Eland</h2>
I picked this book up at the library over a week ago, and it's sat on my desk mostly untouched until today. While I am clearly not the author's target audience, I gotta say that this book was something I needed right now, and I'm hopeful that younger readers will connect with it, too, if and when needed. Sadness is personified, sort of, into a pale greenish blob of a thing, slightly translucent but definitely a marked presence, and sometimes it just shows up as it does on the doorstep of a little boy who feels overwhelmed by it. Hiding it away in a closet doesn't seem to work, but it sometimes takes over completely, enveloping the little guy. This book gives some advice on what to do-- don't be afraid, listen to it, sit and be quiet with it, maybe take it for a walk. There's a bit of symbolism used here that may go over the heads of younger readers, but I still think this is a powerful book to include in classrooms starting at the preschool age.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0735227934" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Heart-Corinna-Luyken/dp/0735227934/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=My+Heart&qid=1563465172&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=b19a610a75ac819ba15665ce8f2bc88b&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0735227934&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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2. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2JREmuI" target="_blank">My Heart</a> </i>written and illustrated by Corinna Luyhken</h2>
The visual beauty of this sweet book is remarkable, with pale grays and splashes of warm yellows, and the pages invite long glances of appreciation. I'm sometimes not sure if the term "lyrical" applies, but this one is undeniable. This reads like a poem or a song, full of depth beyond the text. This can be viewed as a book about emotions, but it truly is much more, and I'd invite teachers and families with young elementary school aged children to read it together and ask the kids what they think the passages mean.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0823441563" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Home-Window-Stephanie-Ledyard/dp/0823441563/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=Home+is+a+Window&qid=1563465228&s=gateway&sr=8-3&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=f42d7bdbdb5db69419ad0b54e8f124a7&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0823441563&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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3. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/32z59oj" target="_blank">Home is a Window</a> </i>written by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard and illustrated by Chris Sasaki</h2>
How would a child define the concept of <i>home</i>? In this lovely pic book, many ways are included that seem to fit perfectly with a child's perspective: <i>"Home is </i>Hello, sweet pea, <i>and a hug, a little bit of green, a corner, and a chair." </i>With that introduction, we see a little girl being warmly embraced by a parent in a cozy living room. We continue to see more images of her family at home, from a busy dinner table to a comfy bed complete with a snuggling dachshund at the foot. The comfort of familiarity is present and celebrated, and then it is shown to be disrupted. Because sometimes, home is what is new. A unique presentation of a story of a family's move, this picture book hits the right notes in conveying security and attention during a time that can be scary for a child.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=148147037X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Meets-Sky-Terry-Fan/dp/148147037X/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=Ocean+Meets+Sky&qid=1563465275&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=e79ccf8fb039611d55093cc40b36441a&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=148147037X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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4. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/32CreCf" target="_blank">Ocean Meets Sky</a></i> written and illustrated by The Fan Brothers</h2>
Hugely imaginative and visually stunning, this picture book is a touching tribute to a child's love for their grandfather, and the way that love endures long after loss. I can't emphasize enough how beautiful these illustrations are, and the tenderness of the words matches perfectly. This is the type of pic book to read while snuggled up with a young child you love, slowly savoring each page, just feeling the emotion and examining the details of the images.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0805073191" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Why-Do-You-Cry-Story/dp/0805073191/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=Why+Do+You+Cry?&qid=1563465322&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=d44f4e61425926a6b8b98f8798b31276&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0805073191&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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5. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2XPTEtL" target="_blank">Why Do You Cry?: Not a Sob Story</a> </i>written by Kate Klise and illustrated by M. Sarah Klise</h2>
As Little Rabbit is about to turn five years old, he decides he is too old for crying anymore. He wishes only to invite friends who also don't cry anymore to his first <i>grown-up</i> birthday party. But as he goes around to his animal pals to invite them, he finds that they each share situations in which they still cry sometimes. What fun would it be to have a birthday party in which none of your friends can attend? When Little Rabbit expresses his frustrations to his mom, she admits that she cries, as well. Little Rabbit begins to change his perspective on what makes one no longer a baby, and he starts to understand that everyone cries from time to time. Normalizing the expression of emotion, especially for young boys, is an important takeaway from this picture book.<br />
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Oh, all the feels!! Happy (and sad, and much more!) reading.<br />
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<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12560502.post-56277378100097781252019-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:002019-07-12T07:00:11.147-04:00friday's five, water play day<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDSJHpGRWHQB-UaRIIgIahZ7RqMJuYWI2h2CnRmMIF6on5qTqqS-uacKIkyj6yTMEyAv4HgS9C7Edt3klCxBf5HlgFe4AU1e_dODgR_MM6bV5bEGD_DnyrrnNdmtMI_YF-_K/s1600/fridays_five_button_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="546" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDSJHpGRWHQB-UaRIIgIahZ7RqMJuYWI2h2CnRmMIF6on5qTqqS-uacKIkyj6yTMEyAv4HgS9C7Edt3klCxBf5HlgFe4AU1e_dODgR_MM6bV5bEGD_DnyrrnNdmtMI_YF-_K/s320/fridays_five_button_XL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Where I live, July has brought the heat and the humidity, and it's not playing around. It's so hot, my hot flashes have ceased to flash and are just on permanent blast. What's better on a super hot day than to be near some cool water-- pools for me, and lakes/ponds/oceans/etc for those who don't mind unseen things touching their skin randomly. In this spirit, I bring you five picture books that celebrate the joys of water, perfect for reading with the littles in your life during your hot and humid months.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1585364096" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sandy-Feet-Whose-Footprints-Shore/dp/1585364096/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=1XSVLS5M75SEB&keywords=sandy+feet+whose+feet&qid=1562896205&s=gateway&sprefix=sandy+feet+whose,aps,143&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=5961d19906c1a29117742e6533be616a&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1585364096&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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1. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/30p8N22" target="_blank">Sandy Feet! Whose Feet?: Footprints at the Shore</a> </i>written by Susan Wood and illustrated by Stetiyana Doneva</h2>
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Let's head to the beach! When two kids spend the day at the shore with their parents and dog, they quickly notice how they all make prints in the sand. Some are big and easily recognizable, like their own footprints and those of their puppy pal. But others are tiny, like the sandpiper, or zig-zaggy, like the shuffling crabs that go by. Sea stars, sea gulls, and turtles all join in the mix, too, each with a unique impression left in the sand after they move on. This is a great book to read with kids before a trip to the shore, and can encourage some observational activity when you're there. </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1575058219" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sail-Little-Carolrhoda-Picture-Books/dp/1575058219/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=TURF76L1O0K1&keywords=sail+away+little+boat&qid=1562896166&s=gateway&sprefix=sail+away+little,aps,142&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=e6d706b87ea19d16488e80390a791a13&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1575058219&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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2. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2XKx1C4" target="_blank">Sail Away Little Boat</a> </i>written by Janet Buell and illustrated by Jui Ishida</h2>
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If I had a toddler in my life right now, I imagine we'd be reading this one again and again. Sweetly worded, rhyming text tells the story of a small toy boat navigating its way from a little brook, to a river, and all the way to an ocean, from one set of children to another. Along the way, it passes many creatures, big and small, who spend their days near water-- foxes, newts, dragonflies, mink, otters, and more. It passes people using the river and ocean, too. This picture book introduces so many concepts related to natural bodies of water and their inhabitants, and it does so in a fun and gentle way perfect for older toddlers and preschoolers.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1554989795" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Puddle-World-Mark-Lee/dp/1554989795/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=3GZPFMBQPCCGJ&keywords=the+biggest+puddle+in+the+world&qid=1562895362&s=gateway&sprefix=the+biggest+puddle,aps,153&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=ea15037a4ed983b7da0e2424adc784eb&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1554989795&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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3. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2XJxMeA" target="_blank">The Biggest Puddle in the World</a> </i>written by Mark Lee and illustrated by Nathalie Dion</h2>
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When two kids spend a week at their grandparents' house, the weather turns quite rainy for a few days. This causes them to wonder where all that rain comes from, and their grandfather is happy to give them a little lesson about nature. But rather than just tell them the answer, he waits until the rain stops and brings them on a little adventure to find the biggest puddle in the world. They observe water in lots of different forms as they walk through some woods and fields. Their grandfather encourages their curiosity by asking them questions, and when they finally get to that huge 'puddle,' he helps them put together all their observations to give context to the water cycle. There is much to note in Dion's illustrations, lovely details of the natural world. </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1590787129" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beach-Tail-Karen-P-Williams/dp/1590787129/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=beach+floyd&qid=1562896271&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=mythoughtse04-20&linkId=1b02c72c8f70e0d9ddb602ccb8ccc409&language=en_US" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1590787129&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythoughtse04-20&language=en_US" /></a></div>
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4. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2XIVuYv" target="_blank">A Beach Tail</a> </i>written by Karen Lynn Williams and illustrated by Floyd Cooper</h2>
This was a book that two of my kids loved when they were younger-- a trip to the beach through the pages of a book! Young Gregory draws a lion in the sand and is told by his dad to stay with his lion. Technically, he follows directions, but as the lion's tail continues to grow, Gregory moves along the beach and away from where his father expected him to be. While he's never in any real danger, Gregory does begin to worry, but his observations about his beachy environment (and the lion's tail!) help him find his way back. Cooper's illustrations make the sandy feel of the beach come through perfectly!<br />
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5. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2xHiQTS" target="_blank">Over and Under the Pond</a> </i>written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal</h2>
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I'm doing it again-- recommending a book that I haven't actually seen. But, I have seen two other of her related books -- <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2JtiRkU" target="_blank">Over and Under the Snow</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2YN8Fc9" target="_blank">Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt</a> -- </i>and I adored both of those for their realism and facts about the natural world, as well as for Neal's enchanting illustrations. From this cover alone, I can see that his magical touch works beautifully for the under water scenes. I'm confident that this is a book that I will love when I actually get my hands on it, and I think it works perfectly under this theme. </div>
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Hope some of these fit the bill for summer reading!<br />
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<a href="http://www.morninglightmama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/321/63DD8D95C5FBC11DA3AE236337E4C524.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Am I in your reader? Seriously? You, my friend, are too cool.</div>morninglight mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04128926711800459894noreply@blogger.com0