Art – Page 32

She who goes on a lot of dates…

Published on January 28, 2013 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay7 Comments

If one were to decide to randomly label this past weekend with a theme, said theme would be dating…

Why is that, you might ask?

Because dating is all that I did.

On Friday afternoon I took my youngest to an eye appointment {will pretend that nothing stressfully evil happened there, with dreadfully smelly eye tech.} and then out to lunch and dress shopping for an annual dance she has, coming up. We had a grand and lovely afternoon, complete with kicking our feet up at the local fro-yo place and watching some bizarre TLC show about brides- that she apparently loves.

As if that was not all lucky enough, Friday evening I got to go out with a few girlfriends and despite the intense fog and super slick conditions- it was exactly what the past couple of weeks have needed. We saw a movie and then went for drinks and chatted until a time that Cinderella never could have stood for. Thanks to my pomegranate margaritas, and sheer exhaustion- i was asleep withing minutes of getting home.

Waking up to fresh waffles, from my dear husband the breakfast king, was wonderful- but forging through the even peanut butter thick fog to get a spa pedicure and have my grey touched up was EVEN better. Dating myself was a little fantastic and certainly something that doesn’t happen with enough frequency.

As if all of that wasn’t enough to make a girl feel absolutely head over heels about the weekend- my husband whisked me away on a lovely little date complete with a movie, {Zero Dark Thirty} incredible Thai food, hours of brilliant conversation and dreaming following by drinks and cheesecake. The latter part of the evening was an after thought inspired by his craving, and something we never do. We make it a point to go to the Cheesecake Factory around my birthday, every year, when patio seating opens. They have a salad I love, but for the most part their cheesecake is fairly overrated and over priced. That being said- it was a date so whatever… I also never go out for drinks twice in a row, (or twice in a week for that matter) but again- date, blah blah blah. Imagine my complete and utter shock though when our ticket revealed that my drink was $9 and my husbands (which was much smaller than mine) was $11. Do what? Our drinks, (not to mention the slice of cheesecake) cost more than our dinner.

Let me repeat- MORE THAN OUR DINNER.

Notice how he couldn't take his eyes off of the food. — Notice how he couldn’t take his eyes off of the food.

Walking out, in the freezing rain- hand in hand, he said:

I’m really full.

I said:

We went over budget.

He said:

My stomach feels it.

I said:

Your wallet too.

He laughed and chimed in:

It was really nice though.

To which I sighed and said:

You are right. It was a lovely farewell to a date night option that we’ll never do again. Goodbye Cheesecake Factory.

To which he signed and said:

Amen.

Sunday’s dates were reserved for Jesus, followed by popcorn and Downton Abbey.

Perfect end to a perfect weekend. Complete perfection, actually. I’ll take it!

Entertainment & Housekeeping…

Published on January 24, 2013 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay7 Comments

I feel like there are so many random, tidbit things I want to say.

Are you a kindle or e-reader owner? My bff gave me a kindle a couple of Christmases ago and i LOVE it so much more than I thought I would. I was super snobby about the idea of not reading actual books, but I found that i read a lot more now, which is GREAT! The downside to my Kindle ownership is that I hadn’t stepped foot in a book store in a year. AN ENTIRE YEAR!!!! Outrage!

Anyway, with Gen having drama practice twice a week, just one block south of this paper scented book haven, I’ve decided that my “me” time needs to be spent there- sipping chai and perusing paper books. Surely such afternoons would be amazing for the soul. When it’s time for my next writing project, I could spend that time assembling chapters and doing research. I am almost giddy thinking about it!

The possibilities are endless!

Speaking of afternoons and chai, I have been using my Teavana pot and tea religiously. Maybe it’s the cold. Maybe it’s that my soul is needing some peace, I don’t know.

If you love tea and aren’t familiar with Teavana, i really encourage you to check them out. It is amazing how many layers of flavors their teas have. When I end up having a bagged cup of tea, on more rushed mornings, it disappoints EVERY TIME!
Are you a tv watcher? We aren’t super into TV, but in the cooler/colder months we do have a few evenings a week where we like to hunker down with a cozy throw and catch up on our TiVo. Both my favorite dramas ended this week, which is a little sad. I won’t talk about the first one, as it’s a bit controversial, but I will mention the second one:

Are you a watcher?

I love Parenthood, even if certain details of this season have left me grinding my teeth. I think it, over all, is such a great look at family (in all aspects) and love. I am a little sad though, that I’m not the only one speculating an impending cancellation. As much as I wish it were not true- this finale felt really, REALLY final.

Speaking of books AND watching things… You know how I am a really huge movie lover, and Oscar season is the best season of all times, for me. Well, one of my favorite contenders (that I’ve seen) is Silver Linings Playbook. Have you seen it? I LOVE it!

At the urging of my girlfriend, whom I first saw the movie with- I am now reading the book. Pretty different, let me tell you, but really, really, really great! It is making me wish (as most adaptations do) that they would have done things a little more like the book, when it came to the film. That being said though, the performances are really amazing and it is such a great movie! In fact, though I’ve slowed way down on my theater attending, i am pretty anxious to see this one again!

Speaking of Oscar nominated films. On Saturday we are going to see Zero Dark Thirty. Quite the controversy stirrer! I loved The Hurt Locker and I’m pretty excited to see this movie- even if that really upsets others. I have several friends who have really enjoyed it and found it to be a great eye opener and conversation film. I personally love conversation films, so i am excited. I had a radical friend tell me, last week, that this movie is the spawn of Satan. That kind of stuff really gets me. If you have different opinions, that’s one thing- but don’t go throwing around spawn of Satan allegations. Come on people…

Besides… The true spawn of Satan is this:

If you haven’t played this game, here’s the nutshell… (spare yourself the agony)

It is so easy.

It makes you feel so smart.

It’s visually pleasing.

Then chocolate comes and ruins EVERYTHING, but before you realize it is of the devil- it has you sucked in.

Just kidding… Mostly. No, actually, I’m not…

Why she does what she does…

Published on December 4, 2012January 17, 2013 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay6 Comments

I get asked, from time to time, why I talk about movies “so much” on my blog. Honestly, between you and I, I don’t think I do talk about them all that much. I guess, in comparison to the big picture movies play in my day to day life- they aren’t mentioned that much.

Yesterday though, when I blogged about a Christmas movie we watched, as a family, I got the funniest email. It basically said that this person would love to read my blog more, if only I didn’t talk about movies non-stop-

I was enjoying this post from you, refreshed to see no mention of film and then there it was. You would celebrate the birth of Christ by sitting in front of a movie. What type of example are you, when you are more focused on mindless, pointless entertainment over the reel issues of the world?

Allow me to be catty for a micro second when I point out their use of the word REEL, over “real”, in the last line. Funny pun, no?

Notes like this kind of make me want to write about movies all day, every day, whether anyone reads my blog or not. Here’s the scoop, in case you don’t already know this:

I used to write about movies all day, every day. I used to interview real life movie stars, film directors, producers, screen writers… I used to do that. It was my job. I got into that line of work because I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, and because I really loved movies.

{note: I still love movies, but slightly less than I did in the beginning.}

Roughly 5 1/2 years ago, my biggest career goal was to become a member of the LAFCA.

I had a list of the 25 interviews I wanted to conduct before I died.

I did junket work in LA, Denver and Detroit.

I loved my job.

Best part was that I saw films MONTHS before they were released. Sometimes, I got to take my family. Sometimes my husband got the chance to attend really cool events for movies he loved. Sometimes my (then) little girl got to do really cool things like hug Anne Hathaway and then watch a movie just a few rows back from her. For well over 5 years, I didn’t have to pay to see a movie, and when I did- the cost was reimbursed.

Now? Now, I don’t miss it. I don’t miss the travel, I don’t miss the junket energy (though I really will come awards season, so please don’t send me hate mail.) and i really don’t miss the interviews. Interviews were nerve wracking. There was nothing about any of it that spoke peace and stillness to my spirit. And really, film reviews and interviews did not look anything like what I wanted my writing to look like.

I am not going to lie though, i do miss the early screenings, the free tickets and getting to make little dreams come true for my family.

I will never forget going to the movie with a friend, in the fall of ’07, just a month after I left my job. There was a baby in there and it ruined the whole experience for me. I had been so used to the screenings with other press members and their occasional friends/families.

I still love movies. I’ve learned that any industry can jade a person- and the entertainment industry certainly ruined things (like watching tv, movies and the production of music) for me. Ask my husband. I am not the best person to sit around and watch stuff with. Especially not when I have a remote, with a pause button, in hand. It’s ugly.

I think movies (and certain filmmakers especially) have the ability to reach into the heart of a person and really truly touch them. That’s an amazing thing. I think that life’s beauties and lessons can come from a film. (or a book, or a song, or a painting.) Sometimes movies offer an escape we desperately need. Sometimes movies are a great way to connect with others.

So, that’s why I talk about movies- they are what I know. They are what I love. I am no longer an actual critic, but I promise that won’t stop me from criticizing them. Ironically, if you feel like criticizing my blog content, please choose kindness… always.

Boy, Have I got a prize for you!

Published on December 3, 2012January 17, 2013 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay9 Comments

You guys, are you excited for this movie?

I have got to tell you, my little family is beside themselves in anticipation for this movie and Les Miserables. (It’s an equal tie, except for me. Can you guess which one I am more excited about???)

Anyway, I am helping out with a little promoting of this film and I thought, along with showing you the trailer, I would conduct a give away for a couple of “Grab bags” full of miscellaneous Hobbit items. I’ve got activity books, posters, book marks, buttons… you get the drift.

Anyway, it will be so easy it’s scary… Leave a comment either here or on the Rainy day in may facebook page,(by Friday December 7th) telling me what movies you are most excited about this holiday season.

Ok? So please come play along, because it’s fun… And who knows, you might win something :)

LIKE our Facebook page and I’ll throw your name in there 10 times, because it’s mine- and I can!

twinges…

Published on December 3, 2012 by Mae @ Rainydayinmay5 Comments

One day it felt nothing like the Christmas season and suddenly it’s December 3rd, we have two (yes, two) Christmas trees in our home, mornings barefoot are freezing and the TiVo is so full of Christmas movies that I fear it’s survival through this holiday season time.

Welcome, Christmas!

We spent chunks of our weekend adorning trees and placing other miscellaneous Christmas decor around our home. We decided, albeit a bit sadly, not to put lights up, outside, this year. It’s a good decision, a smart decision, and as long as we are inside where it most certainly feels festive- it doesn’t really matter. Those rare times though, when we return home after dark, I know we will feel a twinge of sadness at being on of the few dark homes in the neighborhood. Thankfully, twinges only last until we are inside where the fir garlands, sparkly trees and other dots of festivity will fill our senses and chase them away.

As we are still in thralls (though nearing the end) of our legal battle for Gen, it’s a much more frugal Christmas than anyone would hope. In light of that, with friends being injured and off work, or being laid off, we are certainly grateful. We are trying to shift the focus to being both generous with the world outside of our family through acts of kindness and other, and creativity. We’ve shaped our advent activities somewhat like that, while also keeping with a few annual splurge like traditions…

Day 1: Decorate the Christmas tree.

Day 2: Get pajama’s, mugs of hot cocoa and snuggle down for a Christmas movie. {What about making some peppermint whipped cream to go with that cocoa?}

and so we did. Well, by “we” I mean Gen did. While it was technically my idea, I was sort of reserved about the whole thing. My husband, who hesitates to try new things, was even less enthusiastic. {There was a bit of 13 year old drama, initially, but i am happy to say that the Peppermint Whipped Cream was AMAZING!!!! }

Also, I should point out, we watch a significant amount of made for tv Christmas movies, this time of year. Honestly, Genny and I are somewhat obsessed with them and Chw is not too far behind us. Some of them are so awful, {Like Lifetime’s modern day remake of Little Women. My poor 13 year old Genny was devastated} but sometimes you find one that is really, truly worthy. Last night’s movie was one of those. Love at the Christmas Table was so cute, And really fun to watch. We LOVED it!

Day 3: Make cards for neighbors.

This will be interesting. We don’t really know our neighbors well, something I would like to change though it has just been easier not to.

Has your holiday season kicked off?

If you need other holiday inspiration, here is what is inspiring us, this season…

‎”I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes the day hard to plan.” E. B. White