Art – Page 28

figuring it out…

Published on April 28, 2014 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay3 Comments

One month ago, today, I turned 38. I always believed that by the time I reached such a ripe-old-age, I would have stuff figured out. By stuff, of course, I mean pretty much everything. Not surprisingly, (and I say not surprisingly because I know me) I wake up some mornings and realize I might be farther from that place than ever. I’m also pretty sure, on those days, that the times when I feel like I’ve got a good handle on things, I’m just majorly full of crap.

My birthday happens to fall forty days before my husband’s. This wasn’t something I was really aware of until I decided to shower him with gifts, love and attention in the forty days preceding his fortieth birthday and that just happened to begin on mine. {for the record, this was an accidental detail I happened to love.}

Sidenote: this 40 day journey has been one of the most fun birthday things that I’ve ever done and it has turned out way better than I expected. I seriously recommend it.

Yesterday his “gift” (I say “gift” because no one needs forty new things. Some have been new things, but sometimes it’s something special to do, that he really loves. Or one day it was a totally unexpected surprise party, that blew him away.) was his favorite homemade cookies and a Star Trek marathon. This was actually a huge gesture on my part because, though I love him so incredibly, I’ve watched each of those movies with him once or twice and it’s been YEARS, and these viewings never occurred simultaneously. Star Trek just isn’t my thing, but it is his. Mind you, he doesn’t own a suit, speak Klingon, go to conventions or want memorabilia, but he loves The Next Generation and he loves the movies.

While he sat, blissfully lost in the galaxy (or is it another galaxy? I just don’t get it.) I baked cookies, cleaned the kitchen, meal planned, did laundry, made an amazing dinner (something I don’t do often enough, these days) and managed to stay engaged enough to the movies to know what was happening. I was tempted to feel guilty that so much productivity was happening, in my home, on a Sunday. As I sat there, processing those ideas, I questioned where that guilt came from. If I were to be honest with myself, I’d admit that I really love our laundry getting done on Sunday afternoons. I love the house getting whipped into shape on Sunday, everyone pulling their part. While I’m not one who enjoys baking, I even liked the idea of baking cookies for lunches and to have on hand for a few after school snacks, for the weekdays. The big Sunday dinner was also nice, and something we hardly ever do. We savored bites of grilled pork chops, mashed sweet potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts. While the food tasted delicious, is it silly to think it tasted better because it was a Sunday, and because it followed (for me) a day of productivity and success?

Over Lent I gave up reading fiction and focussed on reading good for my heart books. My motivation was that I knew I had things I needed to learn/relearn/realize and I tend to hide away in fiction and buy books like that because they sound “amazing”, and then allow them to stack up. The end result was my mind was reshaped in several areas, I learned a ton, my perspective changed/shifted on many things and I wrote at least a thousand quotes that felt to my parched soul like cool drinks of water. Yesterday, as I struggled with some self-imposed guilt over Sunday productivity, and my enjoyment from it, one particular quote/idea that I read along the way came to mind. I believe it was by Emily P. Freeman. (and I am absolutely paraphrasing) She was talking about how true worship of God was being present and engaged in whatever we were doing in that moment. Whether it was something wonderful and artistic, or some monotonous chore. This really hit me hard, and I have been trying to be fully present and engaged in what I do. I can see how there is no better act of gratitude than that, and also no great gesture of humility than to give your all and best to something as lowly as scrubbing the toilet and painting a mural. Not surprisingly, yesterday is a great example. Not only did it turn out to be a pretty great day for me, I’m sure that was absolutely because I engaged in my life and lived it. Even the stuff that’s not my favorite…

I may not have it all figured out yet, but one month later, I’m at least a little closer…

On Noah and John Snowden…

Published on February 27, 2014 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay2 Comments

I’m about to cross lines here that I’ve not crossed before. While I’ve written some, about my faith, and I’ve written a lot about my love of film, I don’t think I’ve ever really written about them both, together. I hope you’ll stick around anyway, as I think it’s a pretty good thing to discuss, whether you are a person of faith or not.

By now I’m sure you’ve heard all about how the soon-to-be-released major motion picture Noah is so controversial for this reason, or that reason. I’ve been following press on this film for about a year now, and admittedly was completely blindsided by all of the negativity that is suddenly out there about how it’s just a front with some big Hollywood agenda.

This makes me a little sad because, as a Christian, I sit here and wonder why we as Christians have to get so bent out of shape and assume judgement out of things based on here-say, speculation, gossip (let’s face it, when it’s not first-hand knowledge, it’s flat-out gossip) and falsehoods. Sure, has Hollywood ever misrepresented a Christian, or God, or the Bible? of course they have… BUT, every time we open our mouths, “share” that post, forward that email or pass on our best assumptions about a film (or anything that we don’t have firsthand information about), aren’t we doing the same thing? Besides that, as Christians, we should know that we can be persecuted and misrepresented so lets stop acting like victims about it and making ourselves such easy targets.

Back to Noah. I, for one, am thrilled to see this movie. I’m not much of a Russell Crowe fan, anyone who reads here knows this. That being said, I’ve been really excited about the press I’ve seen regarding the production of the film, and have been prompt to dismiss the negative speculation I’ve read. The whole ordeal has become quite a hot topic around our house, actually. We’ve debated about the rumors we’ve read, regarding the film, and discussed them rationally in the context of “so what if they’re true?” All the while, I kept secretly hoping that I’d get an email with a couple of passes so that I could go see the film and come home and write a first hand account, for all of the uninformed haters, about how Noah is portrayed as a human man. Not blameless, or perfect, but human. And that his story is an epic film, spanning in hours, what can be read over the course of minutes in the Bible, so obviously some details, dialogue and character liberties would have to be added. Until I viewed the film with my own eyes though, I felt I couldn’t say such things publicly without being another one of the many speaking without knowing, really.

Then, last night, something wonderful happened. An article on the Christian Post was brought to my attention. This article is written by John Snowden, who has been the film’s Biblical Advisor for the past two years. Having both been involved in the production of, and seen the film, it’s fair to say Mr. Snowden has first-rate information regarding the film and its actual stance Biblically.

Personally, I appreciate his article greatly! I couldn’t agree more with the vitality of his bullet points. I appreciate that he took the time to share not only the reasons why Christians should embrace the film, but also to explain about the things that are a bit different and why. Like, with number 7 specifically. While, apparently there have been people who were upset by the presence of a personified enemy to Noah, I found it thought-provoking. There was so much that happened in the life of Noah, that we know nothing about. If people were so wicked, how do we know he didn’t have hundreds of enemies out to destroy him? Mr. Snowden’s insight is an asset for sure.

While I am sure, there will be many who still aren’t pleased, that will always be the case. It’s enough for me. Granted, I wasn’t really worrying about it. While I was approaching the film with a significant attitude filled with grace and the opportunity to use it as a gift, even if it didn’t all line up with the Bible. (And I have to clarify, I NEVER Expected it to. How many times have we watched a film based on ANY book and not liked the interpretation?) The biggest thing I’ve taken away from the Christian Post article, however, is that it’s good to strike a healthy balance between the levels of grace and knowledge. I’ll admit that, and I’m grateful for that reminder.

Personally, I really enjoy things that inspire me to take something, whether it’s from a Bible passage or a piece of classic literature, and bring it to life with a visual dimension and illustration. The film Noah does that for us. It gives us a glimpse into more than just the candy colored story books that are painted for children, because this is a truly tragic and hopeful story all rolled into one. It’s human. I’m so glad that John Snowden still remains passionate enough about his work on the project to encourage people (not just Christians, but people) to embrace it.

What are your thoughts one the film? On the article?

A conversation…

Published on February 15, 2014 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay4 Comments

Last year, when we learned we were moving to Michigan, our youngest (who was 13 at the time) had just been cast in two theater productions with two theater companies. One was a role in The Secret Garden, which she worked really hard for, and the other was in a play that she was really excited about. We homeschooled so it wasn’t going to be too difficult to juggle the heavy rehearsal schedules. She had been consistently in theater, drama or some small film work since the spring of 2009 and so she was ready for the challenge of two parts.

Gen was devastated equally, to leave both parts. We moved quickly, so there was no way around it. She was heart-broken. And while we were VERY familiar with the way the theater “circuit” for youth worked in Idaho, here it’s completely different. We took time to adjust, which came with struggles. We decided, as a family, that since she would be going to a high school, she would need to take the rest of the year off from pursuing any acting because we knew that with high school would come a whole new set of challenges.

We made it through the first semester mostly unscathed and there is a local youth production that she showed interest in wanting to audition for. While we were discussing this, with her, and the restraints on her schedule should she be cast, the following conversation ensued…

G- here’s the thing though, as much as I love the theater, when I’m 18, I don’t want to be a stage actor. I’m going straight into movies.

M- blink blink.

G- and so I’m not really stressing out over whether I get roles or not because they won’t get me to my goals.

M- right, well, here’s the thing Gen. While I hear what you are saying, if you were to look at a lot of film stars, many of them also do stage work and most of them will have done a lot of stage work to start out with, when they were young.

G- right, but here’s the thing though, I want to act in film.

M- so you’ve said.

G- and you won’t let me go to New York now and do that.

M- well, in all fairness, New York isn’t exactly where you would go to break into film. You would go to Hollywood.

G- well, who are all of the actors in New York than? (said with so much snark)

M- stage actors, Gen.

G- blink, blink.

M- blink, blink, blink.

G- So, can I go to California and audition.

M- um, no.

G- I’ll go when I’m 18.

M- ok, then go when you are 18. In the meantime, I encourage you to pursue the things you love to do and work hard on your education. If you love to act, then do that. If you love to skip, then do that. If you love to pick your nose and eat it, then I guess do that too, but please not in front of other people.

G- giggle.

M- seriously, the world looks different at fourteen than it does at 18. and I’m sure it’s confusing when you see people your age or younger in movies and on tv and you think “i could do that” or “that could be me”, but it’s not that simple.

G- but you don’t know that.

M- yes, Gen, I do. There is a vast amount of things that I do NOT know, but of this I am certain. Please, please trust me.

G- Can I audition for this musical anyway, even though I have no future in stage acting because I’m going to go to California and be a big movie star?

M- sure.

Man! It’s a crazy hard line to realize your kids are ridiculously naive and that their “dreams” aren’t just sweet little “dreams” anymore, but that they actually believe this is what will happen. Especially when the Hollywood we know (assuming she ever even MADE it to that point without completely losing herself in the “you aren’t pretty enoughs”, “you aren’t thin enoughs”, “you aren’t _______ enoughs” before ever being hired.) has people dying at a sadly common rate of drug overdoses… When she was 8 she wanted to play Elphaba on stage one day and I thought that was a beautiful and sweet dream… But now that she wants to be in an industry I freelance for, and both loathe and love.

I am not ready…

The Monuments Men {A Giveaway}

Published on February 6, 2014February 5, 2014 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay15 Comments

If you haven’t seen the trailer for The Monuments Men, then please, watch it now… Then, come back, ok? Great!

Ok. Amazing, right? I mean, you’ve got history, George Clooney, Matt Damon, great writing, incredible set/costume design, humor, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and Lord Grantham!!! {kidding… I know his name is Hugh Bonneville} When I first saw this trailer I was in a movie with my 14-year-old daughter. I thought to myself, wow, GREAT cast! My history loving husband is going to really want to see that! What shocked me though was that after all of the other trailers (sordid love stories) finished, my daughter turned to me and said “That Matt Damon movie looks so incredible, I can’t wait to see it!”

When 9th grade girls are dying to see a movie with a bunch of close to middle-aged people acting out historical events, over the younger acted love stories depicted in previews- you KNOW it’s going to be good…

So yeah, our family is really, really excited to see The Monuments Men movie this weekend. We got some cool swag (which my 9th grade daughter exclaimed squeals of glee about, surprisingly. I did not expect that.) and now, I have some swag to share with you! I’m giving away a Monuments Men t-shirt and a few other goodies. Entry deadline in Sunday at midnight EST. Winner will be contacted Monday morning. {The prize package will be shipped directly from Grace Hill Media.}

Enter below with what looks/sounds great to you, about this movie… (if you tweet it and link back with your tweet link, I’ll give you 3 extra entries.)

Girls just wanna, they just wanna…

Published on January 20, 2014 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay3 Comments

Since my husband has taken an eternity long business trip Down Under, Gen and I decided we’d get away for a bit. We took advantage of an amazing hotel promotion (perk of having a husband whose business keeps him on the road from time to time, I guess.), had a friend hang out with our dogs and away we went. I knew, from the very second that this plan was birthed and set in motion, that I was in for some trouble. You see, I’m not the world’s most confident winter driver and would just as soon stay home if anyone so much as speaks the word snow. With this being the upper mid-west, and January, I knew I was in trouble. Even so, we do what we must for the sake of fresh walls and sanity, so I packed a bag and off we went.

(I apologize now that the only photos I have are cruddy, bad-light, iPhone shots. It just so happened, everywhere we went had mood lighting.)

While our hotel was “super fancy”, (That’s a complete 14-year-old Genny quote, not me. She was enamored by the fanciness of it, to the point of spewing nauseating charm all over their lovely fabric covered walls.) they did not have free wi-fi nor did they serve a free breakfast. (to those of you out there with extra class, you will now see the types of places we are likely accustomed to staying.)

They were willing to charge us $20 for internet (no thanks. I was spending time with my kid, what do I need internet for anyway? Besides, we have a portable hotspot, which I brought, but it stayed packed.) and they offered room service breakfast though $9 for a muffin seemed a bit excessive. SO, Gen and I used our beloved Yelp ap and went in search of a high rated bakery which sold these:

Feeling ready to tackle just about anything, at this point, we explored the area a bit. We were feeling pretty good. We had a “super fancy” hotel room, (ok, this was more Gen then me, but whatever.) We had outsmarted the hotel and gotten some form of (adorable) breakfast to tide us over til checkout (for under $4!!! this was total me who was excited about this point, Gen could have cared less.) And I had made it to said hotel AND bakery, keeping us and my car in tact while snow flurried around us. (Also more so me, but I’m sure Genny’s gratitude is there, buried beneath teen angst.)

Eventually we wandered back to the hotel. I mean, it had likely been ten, or so, minutes since Gen had raved on and on about the “super fanciness” of it. Between their actual glass drink ware in the rooms, our mini Keurig, the embroidered hairdryer bag and the fresh, warm cookies they serve the guests- well, we needed to hear more about it all, so we went back. Eventually I talked her into sitting laying across her bed and watching a movie on tv while I sat in the living room and just sort of vegged for 90 min. On Commercials she would come out, (or shout out) about how laying in a fancy hotel bed watching tv was the best feeling ever.

It really wasn’t a fancy hotel… BUT, I was slowly falling in love with the sofa and chair. I wonder where they got them?

Anyway? Eventually we headed out to share this AMAZING brick oven BBQ chicken pizza…

And then we stayed up until early hours of the morning playing card games and talking…

I won.

But not by much, she’s a worthy opponent.

The next morning she slept until a reasonable teenage hour while I tossed, turned and then rose early to drink tea and read on my new favorite sofa. When we departed, Genny reluctantly said goodbye to her “super fancy” hotel suite, remarking how she hoped she never had to stay in those places where the cheep hair dryers hang on the walls again. (Sorry, Gen, you will.) She was also deeply saddened that they do not offer warm cookies to people checking out. I love her…

We had been able to chat with Chw the afternoon before, and he shared with us that he was heading to spend Saturday at the beach with his newfound friends from Japan, Thailand, Korea and of course Australia. What a little life of luxury he leads. Ironically, the man hates the beach while Gen and i LOVE it. So, when Saturday found us heading to a movie over near his very favorite restaurant, well, we had to go. It seemed the nicest thing to do… And then we checked in on Facebook. He laughed, it was all in good fun. He also got a little sunburnt and pelted in the face with windy sand. We got this…

I think it’s clear, despite his 75 degree weather, who got the better end of the deal. (please lie and tell me that it was us!)

After that, before trekking home, we went to see 12 Years a Slave. We don’t usually let Genny watch R rated movies, but on the very rare occasions that she has seen them, it has been with us and they were R for reasons that weren’t sexually explicit or graphic in unnecessary ways. I don’t regret taking her to see this film. It was emotional and moving. Difficult to watch, but such a beautiful story full of valuable life lessons. As we left the theater, still stunned from all we’d seen, I looked to her and said “wow, huh?” And her sweet 14 yo response?

“That movie was NOT entertaining. I hate that movie. That wasn’t fun at all.” Yes, she had seen the trailer. I don’t know where she expected it to turn into a fun movie, but we had a wonderful discussion about the film and Solomon’s story on the way home. If you haven’t seen it, I strongly recommend it… (Where kids are concerned though, obviously, read reviews and use your best judgement.)

Anyway, our Girl’s retreat was fun, and I think we’ll do it again. I think maybe we’ll do it with another mother/daughter someday… It was a lot of fun though, and we want to make it a semi-annual tradition. Considering we really were just winging it, it was pretty great…