"Change your thoughts, and in the twinkling of an eye, all your conditions change. Your world is a world of crystallized ideas, crystallized words. Sooner or later, you reap the fruits of your words and thoughts."
-Florence Scovel Shinn
Smokey Mountain Memories
A Little Slice of Heaven
1.31.2011
1.30.2011
Green Tea Sensation?
I was shopping at the grocery store today and went to the coffee/tea aisle to get some more tea. I saw the oddest thing. There were 10 to 12 people gathered around a Store Manager who was rearranging the tea shelves. As I came around the corner I thought, "What the heck is going on? Why are there so many people looking at the teas? What's the fuss about?"
I had tea on my shopping list, so of course I had to check it out. The manager was talking to them and was saying that since Dr. Oz had talked about green tea on a recent show, all of the teas were selling quicker than before. In my grocery story? Really?! Tea, especially green teas moved slower than a snail there before.
I know that Dr. Oz has been talking about green tea since he was first on Oprah's show, about 3 or 4 years ago. So why was there all this fuss and talk about it at my store now? I'm thinking it's the sound of people getting on the bandwagon. Well good for them! I have to wonder just how many of them will actually be drinking green tea in a year!
I got closer to try to grab my favorite brands of green tea, because I'm running pretty low. It was hard to get closer until the manager walked away with several people trailing behind him, still chatting away.
I looked at the shelves and there were a lot of teas on sale. But there weren't a lot of green teas there anymore. I leaned in, looked down on the lower shelf and low and behold, there was a whole new section of organic tea! It wasn't there a week ago. Well, now I was thrilled and impressed. I said out loud without meaning to, "Organic tea, as I live and breathe."
Opps! Did I really say that out loud? A couple of the left over people turned and looked at me. I just kind of smiled back at them and weakly said, " It's really good for you."
I quickly scanned the new section. I used to have to get oolong and organic teas online, or drive to a specialty store a distance away. So you know I was really eager to grab some and check out. The only problem was it was already picked over! Darn those get on the bandwagon people. I spied only one box of organic green and snapped it up. I practically ran down the aisle to my waiting grocery cart. I kind of felt like I was making a getaway, because I had
taken the very last box of organic green tea on the shelf.
I'll be calling the store later to find out when they are restocking it. I've got to get there before the band wagon people scoop it all up again!
I had tea on my shopping list, so of course I had to check it out. The manager was talking to them and was saying that since Dr. Oz had talked about green tea on a recent show, all of the teas were selling quicker than before. In my grocery story? Really?! Tea, especially green teas moved slower than a snail there before.
I know that Dr. Oz has been talking about green tea since he was first on Oprah's show, about 3 or 4 years ago. So why was there all this fuss and talk about it at my store now? I'm thinking it's the sound of people getting on the bandwagon. Well good for them! I have to wonder just how many of them will actually be drinking green tea in a year!
I got closer to try to grab my favorite brands of green tea, because I'm running pretty low. It was hard to get closer until the manager walked away with several people trailing behind him, still chatting away.
I looked at the shelves and there were a lot of teas on sale. But there weren't a lot of green teas there anymore. I leaned in, looked down on the lower shelf and low and behold, there was a whole new section of organic tea! It wasn't there a week ago. Well, now I was thrilled and impressed. I said out loud without meaning to, "Organic tea, as I live and breathe."
Opps! Did I really say that out loud? A couple of the left over people turned and looked at me. I just kind of smiled back at them and weakly said, " It's really good for you."
I quickly scanned the new section. I used to have to get oolong and organic teas online, or drive to a specialty store a distance away. So you know I was really eager to grab some and check out. The only problem was it was already picked over! Darn those get on the bandwagon people. I spied only one box of organic green and snapped it up. I practically ran down the aisle to my waiting grocery cart. I kind of felt like I was making a getaway, because I had
taken the very last box of organic green tea on the shelf.
I'll be calling the store later to find out when they are restocking it. I've got to get there before the band wagon people scoop it all up again!
1.29.2011
Back To Normal
I felt a touch of Spring in the air yesterday and today. January is almost over. Hallelujah! Just knowing that brightens my day, especially when it's gloomy out every other day. The birds were chirping. I haven't heard birds chirping since November. Yesterday a very red, young male Cardinal sitting in a bush watched me walk by. He was a welcome sight. As I stepped out the front door to go on my walk, I could smell a scent of growth. Let me clarify for the people who will think, "What does growth smell like?" It smells like green things growing in the dirt.
Oh yeah I can smell again! I am about 98% recovered from my sinus infection. I didn't start feeling much better until Monday. I usually feel better much sooner. Many of my co-workers are sick with something or other and are not recovering quickly or well. Funny, I never get an actual cold or the flu, (I get flu shots). I catch something and it affects my immune system. Then it goes right into sinus infection. I suppose I am healthy enough to avoid the colds, and have them bypass me but they make a u-turn and I get infection triggers instead. Hmmm. I wonder where in the world I could live to avoid them. The Gobi Desert? I would probably end up with a new allergy!
Well, I am also back to doing most of my regular routine. I didn't meet that challenge to walk 30 miles in 30 days that I told you about. I did meet another one to cycle 30 miles in 30 days. At least I accomplished something. I met that and passed it on Wednesday.
No, I'm not cycling in the snow. I used the EXERcycle I've had ever since man created the wheel. I think I bought it at Sears about a hundred years ago. At least it looks like it's abut that old. But heck, it functions and isn't that most important anyway? My husband has replaced the pedals on it 3 times in the last few years. Apparently I wear the rubber ones out too fast. But it's not because I'm riding like a fiend. I'm not tall and I have to step up onto them to get on the bike. Okay now; no fat jokes please! At least it's being used. I have close to 7,000 miles on it. For years it was a clothes rack and never logged a mile. You know, I should figure out how many miles I ride in a year. It has to be at least a couple of thousand miles.
Oh and the movie review loving people out there, I am still writing reviews of the Oscar nominees. I have another one to share later, maybe tomorrow. I have a lot going on today. I should have several done in the next weeks.
Oh yeah I can smell again! I am about 98% recovered from my sinus infection. I didn't start feeling much better until Monday. I usually feel better much sooner. Many of my co-workers are sick with something or other and are not recovering quickly or well. Funny, I never get an actual cold or the flu, (I get flu shots). I catch something and it affects my immune system. Then it goes right into sinus infection. I suppose I am healthy enough to avoid the colds, and have them bypass me but they make a u-turn and I get infection triggers instead. Hmmm. I wonder where in the world I could live to avoid them. The Gobi Desert? I would probably end up with a new allergy!
Well, I am also back to doing most of my regular routine. I didn't meet that challenge to walk 30 miles in 30 days that I told you about. I did meet another one to cycle 30 miles in 30 days. At least I accomplished something. I met that and passed it on Wednesday.
No, I'm not cycling in the snow. I used the EXERcycle I've had ever since man created the wheel. I think I bought it at Sears about a hundred years ago. At least it looks like it's abut that old. But heck, it functions and isn't that most important anyway? My husband has replaced the pedals on it 3 times in the last few years. Apparently I wear the rubber ones out too fast. But it's not because I'm riding like a fiend. I'm not tall and I have to step up onto them to get on the bike. Okay now; no fat jokes please! At least it's being used. I have close to 7,000 miles on it. For years it was a clothes rack and never logged a mile. You know, I should figure out how many miles I ride in a year. It has to be at least a couple of thousand miles.
Oh and the movie review loving people out there, I am still writing reviews of the Oscar nominees. I have another one to share later, maybe tomorrow. I have a lot going on today. I should have several done in the next weeks.
1.28.2011
Best Animated Film Review - How to Train Your Dragon
Today I'm reviewing a movie that's not a Best Picture nominee, but is nominated in the Best Animated Feature Film category and Best Original Score. Why? Because I loved this movie. It's got a little bit of everything in animated form. But of course it's from the people at DreamWorks. It's fun, entertaining, delightful, sweet, a bit stirring and has a villain. And yes there is that all important message; of acceptance of differences and understanding. The good animated movies always have a message.
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is supposed to kill a dragon to prove his manhood. Instead, he ends up becoming friends with a lovable dragon he names Toothless and he becomes the best dragon "tamer" around. Hiccups's father turns on him when he tries to defend all of the dragons.
It's well written and has a nice premise. The voices of the characters are known actors, but they aren't so recognizable that they take away from the story. The best thing about this film is the delightful relationship that develops between Hiccup and Toothless. It's a classic boy and his dog relationship, only this time with a dragon.
The animation is interesting and enhances the story, based on the book by Cressida Cowell of the same name. The score is stirring and Vikingish, as you would expect from a film about Vikings in any form. The dragons are diverse, fun and some are even cute. In the end everyone comes together. Although this is supposed to be a movie for kids, adults who like animation will have a great time with it too and will enjoy the quirky characters. It almost made me want a dragon of my own. I just don't have the space for one!
Rating - 4 stars
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is supposed to kill a dragon to prove his manhood. Instead, he ends up becoming friends with a lovable dragon he names Toothless and he becomes the best dragon "tamer" around. Hiccups's father turns on him when he tries to defend all of the dragons.
It's well written and has a nice premise. The voices of the characters are known actors, but they aren't so recognizable that they take away from the story. The best thing about this film is the delightful relationship that develops between Hiccup and Toothless. It's a classic boy and his dog relationship, only this time with a dragon.
The animation is interesting and enhances the story, based on the book by Cressida Cowell of the same name. The score is stirring and Vikingish, as you would expect from a film about Vikings in any form. The dragons are diverse, fun and some are even cute. In the end everyone comes together. Although this is supposed to be a movie for kids, adults who like animation will have a great time with it too and will enjoy the quirky characters. It almost made me want a dragon of my own. I just don't have the space for one!
Rating - 4 stars
1.27.2011
Best Picture, Best Actress Review Winter's Bone
I saw this film when it first came out on DVD. Jennifer Lawrence (nominated for best actress) is a diamond in the rough. She drives this movie all the way to the end. She is that good in her role as 17 year old Ree. There is much more going on in the Ozarks in this film, than one could imagine. Ree’s father has disappeared. She has to find him to prove he’s dead in order to save her home. Her mother is helpless and unhelpful. Ree also has to care for her little brother and sister.
The film is gritty, depressing and interesting. Everything about it is depressing. Ree has to beat a lot of odds to get to the truth and find her father. This is not at all a pretty film, but it is powerful. I don’t want to give away too much of it, because you will be shocked at some of it. But you won’t be shocked for the language, violence or gore; you will be for a storyline that is good and an actress who is perfect in her role.
This is the just the kind of depressing move that is often nominated for these awards. Jennifer Lawrence however, is a bright light in the dark world. She made me want to care about her and root for her. Her performance got my attention and held it. I watched the movie because Jennifer is THAT good. Not to down play John Hawkes (nominated as best supporting actor) as her uncle, he is good too. This is normally the kind of movie I think of as a downer. When the central character of said movie fights so hard to win at all costs, it’s either a cliché or works really well. Because of Jennifer’s understated performance, it works and it works well.
The film is abased on book by Daniel Woodrell. And was also nominated for best adapted screenplay.
Rating – 4 stars
1.26.2011
Best Picture Review - Toy Story 3
In a world of toss out the stuff you are tired of mentality and the buy, buy, buy the new, the best and the biggest; kids are often sent wrong messages. In “Toy Story 3”, the message is clear, sweet and perfect. Love your toys, treat them with care, cherish them and when you grow too old for them, pass them on to another child who will love and cherish them too. I hope that the children and adults who watch this film feel that message will come across loud and clear.
On the whole, “Toy Story 3” is s a very good movie. If you’ve seen the other two films, then you may not be surprised to see such a good storyline played out. If you haven’t, well you may not like it as much as I did, but I bet you will still enjoy it. Unless of course you really have no heart. But if you read my blog, then I know you do, and you know why I love this movie.
All of the characters are back and a few new ones too. The Ken and Barbie scenes are hysterical if you are an adult. I think they were written with us in mind. But Buzz and Woody, as always were my favorite characters. The story is fresh and interesting for both kids and adults. It builds where the last movie left off. The three films are a trilogy. For me, the best one was last. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked the first and the second too. This film is my personal favorite of the three. The Disney Pixar people know how to engage viewers. Of course the music is again by Randy Neumann, so the by now very familiar “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”, made me smile and want to sing along. I knew most of the words to the song! Okay, I am a nerd!
Rating - 5 stars
1.25.2011
Oscar Nominations
The Oscar nominations came out this morning. The ceremonies are Feburary 27th, so everyone knows what I’ll be doing that night! I thought I would share the nominations with you if you are interested in most of the various categories. I don’t follow any of the short films or short documentaries, so they are not listed below. I just watched another of the nominated films, so I hope to see quite a few more in the next weeks. It makes it more exciting to watch, don't you agree? It’s hard to pick a favorite best movie when you’ve only seen a couple of them!
I'm glad to see "Toy Story 3" made best picture, best animated feature film, best adapted screenplay and best sound editing. But I told you it was good, didn't I? Not surprising were all of the other best picture nominees. There was a lot of buzz abut them. Much the same for best director. There were surprises in omissions and nominations, like Javier Bardem for "Biutiful", which was also nominated for best foreign film and Mark Walberg who was not nominated for "The Fighter". Best actress seems somewhat predictable in choices, except why Annette Bening instead of or in addition to Julianne Moore ("The Kids Are All Right"). Julianne was in the movie more than Annette and was she good too. But I am leaning toward Natalie Portman, "Black Swan" for what I have seem of the movie. In the supporting category, it was nice to see newcomer Hailee Steinfeld for "True Grit". I think people were surprised at Jeremy Renner in "The Town", being nominated. I'll tell you what I think after I see it.
Too bad there aren't categories for best ensemble acting, or best comedy, best Science Fiction or best Horror picture. Now that would make things more interesting and right up my alley. It would also make the ceremonies really long and end into the wee hours of the morning. I'd stay up to watch.
Best Picture
“Black Swan”
“The Fighter”
“Inception”
“The Kids Are All Right”
“The King's Speech”
“127 Hours”
“The Social Network”
“Toy Story 3”
“True Grit”
“Winter's Bone"
Best Director
“Black Swan” Darren Aronofsky
“The Fighter” David O. Russell
“The King's Speech” Tom Hooper
“The Social Network” David Fincher
“True Grit” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Best Actor
Javier Bardem “Biutiful”
Jeff Bridges “True Grit”
Jesse Eisenberg “The Social Network”
Colin Firth “The King's Speech”
James Franco “127 Hours”
Best Actress
Annette Bening “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman “Rabbit Hole”
Jennifer Lawrence “Winter's Bone”
Natalie Portman “Black Swan”
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”
Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale in “The Fighter”
John Hawkes in “Winter's Bone”
Jeremy Renner in “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush in “The King's Speech”
Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams in “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King's Speech”
Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom”
Best Adapted Screenplay
“127 Hours” Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
“The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
“Toy Story 3” Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
“True Grit” Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Winter's Bone” Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini
Best Original Screenplay
“Another Year” Written by Mike Leigh
“The Fighter” Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson;
Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
“Inception” Written by Christopher Nolan
“The Kids Are All Right” Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
“The King's Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler
Best Animated Feature Film
“How to Train Your Dragon” Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
“The Illusionist” Sylvain Chomet
“Toy Story 3” Lee Unkrich
Best Foreign Film
“Biutiful” Mexico
“Dogtooth” Greece
“In a Better World” Denmark
“Incendies” Canada
“Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)” Algeria
Best Art Direction
“Alice
Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara
Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
“Inception”
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
“The King's Speech”
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
“True Grit”
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
Best Cinematography
“Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
“Inception” Wally Pfister
“The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
“The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” Roger Deakins
Best Costume Design
“Alice
“I Am Love” Antonella Cannarozzi
“The King's Speech” Jenny Beavan
“The Tempest” Sandy Powell
“True Grit” Mary Zophres
Best Feature Documentary
“Exit through the Gift Shop” Banksy and Jaimie D'Cruz
“Gasland” Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
“Inside Job” Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
“Restrepo” Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
“Waste Land
Best Film Editing
“Black Swan” Andrew Weisblum
“The Fighter” Pamela Martin
“The King's Speech” Tariq Anwar
“127 Hours” Jon Harris
“The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
Best Foreign Film
“Biutiful” Mexico
“Dogtooth” Greece
“In a Better World” Denmark
“Incendies” Canada
“Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)” Algeria
Best Makeup
“Barney's Version” Adrien Morot
“The Way Back” Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
“The Wolfman” Rick Baker and Dave Elsey
Best Original Score
“How to Train Your Dragon” John Powell
“Inception” Hans Zimmer
“The King's Speech” Alexandre Desplat
“127 Hours” A.R. Rahman
“The Social Network” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Best Original Song
“Coming Home” from “Country Strong” Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
“I See the Light” from “Tangled” Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater
“If I Rise” from “127 Hours” Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
“We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3" Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
“Winter's Bone" Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers
Best Sound Editing
“Inception” Richard King
“Toy Story 3” Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
“Tron: Legacy” Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
“True Grit” Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
“Unstoppable” Mark P. Stoeckinger
Best Sound Mixing
“Inception” Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
“The King's Speech” Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
“Salt” Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
“The Social Network” Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
“True Grit” Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland
Best Visual Effects
“Alice
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
“Hereafter” Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojanski and Joe Farrell
“Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
“Iron Man 2” Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick
1.24.2011
1.23.2011
For the Love of Yoga
I'm glad to say that I'm back on track with my yoga practice. I did try to practice at least 4 times a week, but realized I was practicing less than once a week. I was still walking and riding my exercycle, but not as much either. I just hadn't noticed it. I let other things take over. Not anymore, I am finding my yoga again.
I realize that when I started cleaning out all of the old stuff from my closets and rooms, and gave away clothing I didn't need anymore, I did less of all of those things. As I moved from room to room, I was practicing less and less. I was aware of it at first, but when the holidays rolled around, I must have gotten too busy to notice. There is a correlation to it, I started to slip in my eating habits too. I still ate healthily, but added the stuff people gave me at work and from friends, etc. But like I said before, I still managed to keep my diabetes under tight control.
So right before I got sick with the infection, I made it a point to reconnect more with my practice. Many yoga enthusiasts may agree with me; yoga is the only exercise that one can practice in bare feet that doesn't involve water or a beach! I love to walk around at home in bare feet. I would walk around barefoot outside too if it were safe. You never know what you're going to step in; or on.
But from the moment my bare feet touch my yoga mat, I have an instant connection with my practice. I stand in mountain pose and spread my toes and feel the familiar support and rubbery feeling of the mat. It is softly comfortable. My mat is made of re-cycled rubber and doesn't contain any latex. I bought an extra wide mat, so I could lay in corpse pose when I first started meditating. I have a smaller one for travel. As soon as I spread my mat out on the floor, I am in yoga mode. I generally practice in the same place, because I like to have some space. There is too much furniture to bump into in the other rooms, or they are too small.
That first step onto the mat brings a smile to my lips. I am in the moment and ready to begin. I often close my eyes during various poses. It's become an almost automatic response. I'm not sure if many people do that. I feel a better awareness of what my body is doing and tap into what I am feeling. It seems to give me a better awareness of what is going on with my body. It's a sort of pleasant response when I am doing a pose correctly and holding it. It also seems to deepen my sense of happiness and spirituality. I feel closer to god when I practice yoga, meditation and walk outdoors in nature.
I have a habit of smiling throughout practice as well. Moments during practice give me a feeling of pure joy and even bliss. It lasts for a split second and is incredible. Then I feel happy for the rest of the day. I get the joyful feeling whenever I am more flexible than before, or can do a pose I couldn't do well before. The first time a held tree pose for more than a few seconds, I lost my concentration because I became so intensely happy I could do it. I lost my balance and fell over.
Yoga will bring out both negative and positive emotions when you start practicing. Its a phenomenon of yoga. As you may know from reading other posts of mine; it also happens in meditation. You should ride the tide of the emotions and let them drizzle away as you keep practicing. They will stop eventually. They seem to come out because you are ready to deal with them. You are purging them as your body responds to yoga and your body and mind heals. You will start to become mindful naturally as you continue to practice. I became more aware of what I put in my mouth to eat and what came out of it when I speak. When I don't practice enough, the mindfulness isn't as strong. I've embraced mindfulness. My life wouldn't have changed so much without it. This is the body mind connection.
I realize that when I started cleaning out all of the old stuff from my closets and rooms, and gave away clothing I didn't need anymore, I did less of all of those things. As I moved from room to room, I was practicing less and less. I was aware of it at first, but when the holidays rolled around, I must have gotten too busy to notice. There is a correlation to it, I started to slip in my eating habits too. I still ate healthily, but added the stuff people gave me at work and from friends, etc. But like I said before, I still managed to keep my diabetes under tight control.
So right before I got sick with the infection, I made it a point to reconnect more with my practice. Many yoga enthusiasts may agree with me; yoga is the only exercise that one can practice in bare feet that doesn't involve water or a beach! I love to walk around at home in bare feet. I would walk around barefoot outside too if it were safe. You never know what you're going to step in; or on.
But from the moment my bare feet touch my yoga mat, I have an instant connection with my practice. I stand in mountain pose and spread my toes and feel the familiar support and rubbery feeling of the mat. It is softly comfortable. My mat is made of re-cycled rubber and doesn't contain any latex. I bought an extra wide mat, so I could lay in corpse pose when I first started meditating. I have a smaller one for travel. As soon as I spread my mat out on the floor, I am in yoga mode. I generally practice in the same place, because I like to have some space. There is too much furniture to bump into in the other rooms, or they are too small.
That first step onto the mat brings a smile to my lips. I am in the moment and ready to begin. I often close my eyes during various poses. It's become an almost automatic response. I'm not sure if many people do that. I feel a better awareness of what my body is doing and tap into what I am feeling. It seems to give me a better awareness of what is going on with my body. It's a sort of pleasant response when I am doing a pose correctly and holding it. It also seems to deepen my sense of happiness and spirituality. I feel closer to god when I practice yoga, meditation and walk outdoors in nature.
I have a habit of smiling throughout practice as well. Moments during practice give me a feeling of pure joy and even bliss. It lasts for a split second and is incredible. Then I feel happy for the rest of the day. I get the joyful feeling whenever I am more flexible than before, or can do a pose I couldn't do well before. The first time a held tree pose for more than a few seconds, I lost my concentration because I became so intensely happy I could do it. I lost my balance and fell over.
Yoga will bring out both negative and positive emotions when you start practicing. Its a phenomenon of yoga. As you may know from reading other posts of mine; it also happens in meditation. You should ride the tide of the emotions and let them drizzle away as you keep practicing. They will stop eventually. They seem to come out because you are ready to deal with them. You are purging them as your body responds to yoga and your body and mind heals. You will start to become mindful naturally as you continue to practice. I became more aware of what I put in my mouth to eat and what came out of it when I speak. When I don't practice enough, the mindfulness isn't as strong. I've embraced mindfulness. My life wouldn't have changed so much without it. This is the body mind connection.
1.22.2011
5 Star Movies
With the Oscar nominations just around the corner, I thought that I would share my own 5 star movie ratings. As a movieholic, I can say I really know what I like and don’t like. I don’t rate movies based on principles of film making, but on pure enjoyability and then some of those extras. This is not a completely comprehensive list. Keep in mind that these are only the films I’ve rated on Netflix, so some I may have given a rating of 5 stars are missing from this list. I figured that since I have rated about 8,000 movies, since I joined them, I really could come up with a 5 star list and on down to one star rating.
I have rated a lot more movies as 4 stars than 5 stars, but 3 star ratings outnumber all of the others. THAT list would be really, really long. I don’t easily rate movies 4 or 5 stars. They have to interest me on many levels to get those ratings. The movies I rate 4 or 5 stars are usually the movies I’ll watch again, or touched me deeply and I JUST sat and watched because I enjoyed them. (See my previous “I Am a Movieholic” post, I usually don’t just sit and watch.)
You may be surprised at the range of movies I like. I am a huge Sci Fi and Horror fan, so you may be surprised I didn’t rate more movies with 5 stars. But it’s just because I am a huge fan of those genres that I haven’t given more movies a rating of 5 stars. A lot of movies in those genres were given 4 stars, but not as many as you might think. There are a lot of clunkers out there! Read my list and see if you agree or disagree with me.
Key: # I own a copy of this movie and I’ve watched it multiple times.
(In no particular kind of order or preference)
Animation:
#Monters, Inc
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
WALLE-E
Toy Story 3
Comedy:
#Monty Python and the Holy Grail
#Jumpin Jack Flash
Young Frankenstein
#The Burbs
The Producers
#Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Neumar
Sex in the City: The Movie
Harvey
War:
#Platoon
The Year of Living Dangerously
#The Killing Fields
#Apocalypse Now
#Full Metal Jacket
#Black Hawk Down
#Schindler’s List
Empire of the Sun
Casablanca
Sci-Fi:
#E.T.
#Escape from New York
#The Road Warrior
#2001: A Space Odyssey
#The Terminator
# Close Encounters of the Third Kind
#The Matrix
#The Matrix: Reducx
Avatar
War of The Worlds (2005)
#The Matrix: Reloaded
#Alien
#Enemy Mine
#Stargate
Drama:
#Amadeus
The Name of the Rose
Braveheart
Sybil
#Gorillas in the Mist
Black Widow
Maltese Falcon
Rashomon
#Salvador
#Dances with Wolves
Farewell My Concubine
#Sleeping With the Enemy
Dangerous Liaisons
Curse of the Golden Flower
Identity
Ran
#The Mission
The Passion of the Christ
Philadelphia
Empire of the Sun
Gandhi
Jane Eyre
Action/Adventure:
#Edward Scissorhands
#Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Apocalpto
Escape from Alcatraz
Family:
The Secret Garden
#The Goonies
Fantasy:
Lady in the Water
#Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
#Pirates of the Caribbean: Black Pearl
Romance:
#The French Lieutenant’s Woman
Strictly Ballroom
#When Harry Met Sally
#Pretty Woman
#Ever After: A Cinderella Story
#Pride and Prejudice
#The Scarlet Letter
Horror:
#Scream
#Bram Stoker’s Dracula
The Descent
The Thing (1982)
1.21.2011
Two Months to Go
I'm dreaming of tulips and green blades of grass.
Of sunshine and warmth and roses with class.
Colorful flowers springing forth here and there.
Evergreens sprouting looking like teddy bears.
Yellows, oranges, purple and pinks.
My favorite time is coming soon me thinks.
Ah to play in the dirt galore.
It only makes me want it more.
Little white butterflies dance from flower to flower.
I am energized with happiness's power.
Can't wait to see their pretty little heads.
Spring forth from their winter beds!
It's now only two months till that time.
While it's still winter I will just have to pine.
1.20.2011
I'm a Movieholic
Did I tell you I was a movieholic? I made that word up, I think. How many people do you know that plan their time around the Oscars and aren't even nominated? Yeah, there are a few of us out there. I mean seriously, I don’t throw a party or anything. But I get my lists ready, rent as many of the nominated films as I can get beforehand and plan my evening. I take the next day off in case the show runs past midnight. I need at least 7 hours of sleep. I root for the movies I like. But I will watch, at some point most of the nominated films. Some years I’ve watched all of the nominees. I like to see why they were nominated and who I thought was robbed or if I agree it should have won.
I had this rule of thumb when watching a movie. If it wasn’t interesting enough in the first 20 minutes, I would pop it out. I had that rule for a long time until I left a movie playing, walked out of the room after 20 minutes and came back 10 minutes later. It was suddenly interesting, so I watched it. So now I leave them on just in case, and I do other things if I get bored. I've cooked entire meals while the movie played in the other room. There have been a few films with a great last 10 minutes. They made up for the rest of the movie.
Now I don’t physically go to the movies, I usually rent them. I can watch a lot more movies by renting them through Netflix, than I can ever see going to the movie theater. Sorry local Cineplex. It’s tons cheaper too. We don’t have cable, so Netflix is one of my very few guilty pleasures. It costs as much as basic cable, but I get to choose what I see. We used to have a family movie night at the local dollar show. But that theatre closed down. I like such a wide range of movies, that movieahloic fits. My husband says I’ll watch anything, that’s not quite true, but it's close!
I took film in college, but not because I was a film snob. I figured I may as well get a good grade doing one of my favorite things, watching movies! I got an A in the class and learned some things too. But what else would you expect of someone who analyzes aspects of a movie; like the set design, sound and camera angles. I hate those fake driving scenes where the scenery scrolls by or aliens with zippers in their "skin".
I did see a few of the Golden Globe nominated movies for this year. The one I really want to see is Black Swan. I hope it’s half as good as I’ve heard. I did see Winter Bone, it was kind of good and I thought that Jennifer Lawrence was very good in her role. The movie is kind of depressing, so keep that in mind if you watch it. Those are some of the films that usually get nominated too, depressing, talky, real life drama, English and war.
I was not intoAlice
In a good year for animated movies I really liked Toy Story 3 the best. I would have chosen Despicable Me as my favorite, had I not seen Toy Story 3. They are pretty close though. I think it’s the best of the three Toy Story films. I really enjoyed seeing Woody and Buzz again. They are like old friends. You see them every 5 years and it's like they've always been there. It has a nice wrap up and a sweet message about childhood. Despicable does have some good fun characters. Did you see WALL-E? I wasn't going to watch it because it was so over hyped. I'm so glad I did see it. I am a sucker for a happy ending, even in animation.
I was not into
In a good year for animated movies I really liked Toy Story 3 the best. I would have chosen Despicable Me as my favorite, had I not seen Toy Story 3. They are pretty close though. I think it’s the best of the three Toy Story films. I really enjoyed seeing Woody and Buzz again. They are like old friends. You see them every 5 years and it's like they've always been there. It has a nice wrap up and a sweet message about childhood. Despicable does have some good fun characters. Did you see WALL-E? I wasn't going to watch it because it was so over hyped. I'm so glad I did see it. I am a sucker for a happy ending, even in animation.
I usually see more nominated films than I did this year, but there’s still time. I can’t wait to see what is nominated for the Oscars!
1.19.2011
1.18.2011
Back to Almost Normal
It was a hard going back to work today. It was raining and icy out. I'm still recovering of course from this infection. I felt better today than yesterday. I am recovering faster from these infections. I get help from the elephant sized antibiotics the doctor gives to me too!
The problem is I think I feel a lot better and as soon as I get a little too active, I start to feel icky. Icky is a good word. It doesn't describe feeling very bad and it doesn't say I'm not so bad off either. I'm just icky. Ick, ick, ick, icky. I think I'm doing well and then all of sudden WHAM! I'm feeling good one moment and the next, I feel like I need to sit down and rest for a long time.
I've had so much more energy in the last 3 years. I have to keep reminding myself that I need to take things carefully, so I can fully recover and not get the infection back. The infection affects my immune system and even though I am well controlled with my diabetes, I still have to be careful. I have to rebuild my immunity. I think stopping shots for 3 weeks to be tested didn't help. It was the wrong time to be tested. It was too close to the end of the year. The holiday season is very stressful, my job is stressful; and was more stressful than usual this year. But like I said before , I usually get sick right after Christmas. One year I went to bed in the middle of our family Christmas party, with everyone's coats piled over me. Good thing it was at our house that year.
I have scar tissue on my heart from a serious infection I had about 15 years ago. That was when I was first diagnosed with alleries and sinus problems. We drove through the entire state of Arizona once and stopped at different towns to visit, as we traveled to Momument Vally Utah. I got sick within hours of getting to Flagstaff. I went right to bed at the hotel and was groggy the next morning. As we drove out of the area, I was fine again. I was doing really well everywhere, but Flagstaff. On the way back I got sick after we got there again! It turns out there are a lot of things I was allergic to in the area. You know I just don't think about the scar tissue, until I get an infection. So you can understand why I work so hard to avoid them. I had sinus surgery 12 years ago. I was much worse before that surgery.
Well this year when I started getting allergy shots again after my testing was complete, the shots were at half strength. You can't get them at full strength or you will have a major reaction. It takes months to rebuild that immunity with a new mixture of injections. Even though I have worked hard to be and stay healthy, I can't control everything. That's just not possible and I won't stop living the way I do, or be afraid to do what I've been doing. If that makes any sense.
It sucks to be allergic to things that you can't possibly avoid, like dust mites and mold. They are everywhere. The only time mold is not a problem is July. July! One single month! If I could only pack everything I do outside into that one month. I could spend all of my spare time playing in the dirt in July! I thought frost killed the mold in the winter. Well, apparently not. You learn something new every day. I'll have to make some special plans for July. I do my major gardening in April, May, June and September, Not July. You can't plant too many things in the hottest part of the year you know.
Guess that may explain why I was one of the only people who wasn't sick on our trip to the Smokey Mountains a couple of years ago. No wonder, we went in JULY. I brought everything I might need and then some! I ate mostly separate meals from everyone else. I practiced yoga and meditation every morning. I ate organic and natural. I was an earth mother that trip. Well it worked didn't it! I stayed healthy and didn't get sick! In fact I felt fantastic! I hiked in the mountains every day. Half the group had headaches and sore throats and the one person with all of the allergies had none! Ha! HA!
I have been doing really well for so long, but it's still a little frustrating, when I start to feel icky. Then I have to remind myself, I have defeated so much and will continue. I may be down for the moment, but don't count me out!
The problem is I think I feel a lot better and as soon as I get a little too active, I start to feel icky. Icky is a good word. It doesn't describe feeling very bad and it doesn't say I'm not so bad off either. I'm just icky. Ick, ick, ick, icky. I think I'm doing well and then all of sudden WHAM! I'm feeling good one moment and the next, I feel like I need to sit down and rest for a long time.
I've had so much more energy in the last 3 years. I have to keep reminding myself that I need to take things carefully, so I can fully recover and not get the infection back. The infection affects my immune system and even though I am well controlled with my diabetes, I still have to be careful. I have to rebuild my immunity. I think stopping shots for 3 weeks to be tested didn't help. It was the wrong time to be tested. It was too close to the end of the year. The holiday season is very stressful, my job is stressful; and was more stressful than usual this year. But like I said before , I usually get sick right after Christmas. One year I went to bed in the middle of our family Christmas party, with everyone's coats piled over me. Good thing it was at our house that year.
I have scar tissue on my heart from a serious infection I had about 15 years ago. That was when I was first diagnosed with alleries and sinus problems. We drove through the entire state of Arizona once and stopped at different towns to visit, as we traveled to Momument Vally Utah. I got sick within hours of getting to Flagstaff. I went right to bed at the hotel and was groggy the next morning. As we drove out of the area, I was fine again. I was doing really well everywhere, but Flagstaff. On the way back I got sick after we got there again! It turns out there are a lot of things I was allergic to in the area. You know I just don't think about the scar tissue, until I get an infection. So you can understand why I work so hard to avoid them. I had sinus surgery 12 years ago. I was much worse before that surgery.
Well this year when I started getting allergy shots again after my testing was complete, the shots were at half strength. You can't get them at full strength or you will have a major reaction. It takes months to rebuild that immunity with a new mixture of injections. Even though I have worked hard to be and stay healthy, I can't control everything. That's just not possible and I won't stop living the way I do, or be afraid to do what I've been doing. If that makes any sense.
It sucks to be allergic to things that you can't possibly avoid, like dust mites and mold. They are everywhere. The only time mold is not a problem is July. July! One single month! If I could only pack everything I do outside into that one month. I could spend all of my spare time playing in the dirt in July! I thought frost killed the mold in the winter. Well, apparently not. You learn something new every day. I'll have to make some special plans for July. I do my major gardening in April, May, June and September, Not July. You can't plant too many things in the hottest part of the year you know.
Guess that may explain why I was one of the only people who wasn't sick on our trip to the Smokey Mountains a couple of years ago. No wonder, we went in JULY. I brought everything I might need and then some! I ate mostly separate meals from everyone else. I practiced yoga and meditation every morning. I ate organic and natural. I was an earth mother that trip. Well it worked didn't it! I stayed healthy and didn't get sick! In fact I felt fantastic! I hiked in the mountains every day. Half the group had headaches and sore throats and the one person with all of the allergies had none! Ha! HA!
I have been doing really well for so long, but it's still a little frustrating, when I start to feel icky. Then I have to remind myself, I have defeated so much and will continue. I may be down for the moment, but don't count me out!
1.17.2011
Meditation and the Breath
Meditation can help you to sleep better, feel more centered, be calmer, less emotional, and happier and give you more clarity and focus. Using the breath with or without meditation can benefit you by calming your body and mind, aids in improving digestion and brings more oxygen into your body and your brain.
Doing a 3 part breath meditation is the best practice for people who are just beginning to meditate. It’s easier for you to relate to something concrete, your breathing. The breath has a soothing effect on your mind and body. Your breathing starts to become shallow as you enter further into meditation.
Meditation on the breath helps you to see better in meditation. You can see things on the outer edges of your mind. But remember you are not making an effort to control your breathing, but to simply to observe your breathing. Meditation is gradually loosening control of the mind. You will then begin to see things more clearly. As your breath becomes softer you start to become more aware of the state of consciousness.
Three Part Breath
Remember to use the breathing. If you have breathing problems or issues, consult with your doctor first.
Sit in easy pose posture on the floor or if you are using a chair, put your feet flat on the floor and rest your arms in your lap and get comfortable.
Relax your body and sit in an upright position.
Sit up straight holding your head erect.
Put your shoulders back and pull in your stomach.
Keep your chin level and close your eyes.
With your eyes closed focus on the root of your nose.
Exhale to the left with a double exhalation.
Return your head to center.
Imagine a golden white light as it lifts up through your body from your heart center.
See it spin slowly 3 times around your head to the right and then 3 times to the left.
Imagine the light hovering over you, protecting you.
Now start doing the 3 part breath.
Breathe in deeply though your nose.
Hold the breath for a moment.
Breathe slowly and deeply out through your nose or your mouth.
Do this for a few minutes until your breathing becomes shallow.
As you come back into awareness, imagine the golden white light coming back into your body, and watch it (with your eyes still closed) as it spins slowly around you and comes back through your head into your heart center. Feel it bathing you in warmth and protection.
Then slowly open your eyes and come back into the room.
You should fell very calm and relaxed.
Keep practicing and then try a new meditation, until you find the one that’s right for you.
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