One of My Top Five Movies

Perhaps because I have been in a reflective mood lately, but I cannot stop thinking about one of my favorite movies, "Junebug."

Never heard of it?  Do yourself a favor and watch it.  It is SUCH a great film, for so many reasons.  It was the movie that discovered for the world a magnificent talent, Amy Adams. She gives a daring performance - one of the best crying scenes I have ever seen.  I won't give away the reason for her grief, but it is palpable. It cast one of my favorite actors (Alessandro Nivola - also in another favorite movie, "Laurel Canyon.")  He has a beautiful singing voice, which the director brilliantly highlights in the following scene:

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO6RwS3BBu8

I love how the camera slowly pans around the room, giving you a look at the churchgoers reactions to the hymn.  It is fascinating to see how his wife (played by little known Embeth Davidtz) reacts to his singing - her acting in this scene is so subtle but so powerful.  I love how her body is turned toward the singing, shielding her reaction from the family and allowing the audience to feel as though they are getting a secret glimpse into her relationship with her husband.  How well does she really know him?  It is also poignant to watch his mother's (played by Celia Weston) reaction - it reminds me of how I feel about church music.  I am transported to another time, another place.  Finally, my favorite line of the movie is within Amy Adams' wrenching monologue - "You know what?  I'm cravin' some nuts."  It reminds us that within tragedy, there is still humor.  I think I'll watch that hymn scene again - it soothes me.  Until next time, SAHM.    

Saying Goodbye to Marley, Part Two

Part of saying goodbye to a loved one is moving forward with life.  Yes, life goes on.  As mine did.  It was just too dang quiet, though.  I missed the thump, thump, thump of Marley's tail every time I walked through the door.  Every time the doorbell rang I listened for his bark - silence.  So, I decided to open my mind to the thought of getting another dog - just looking for now.  And I am a shelter dog gal, so off to the shelters I went.  Tip, don't go to a shelter if you are just "looking."  You WILL end up with a pooch because they are needy and lovable and cute, and did I say, needy???  After about two weeks of looking (I did take my time - that is serious time for me!), we brought home 3-month-old "Carrie" and quickly renamed her "Scout." For those who question, "Scout?  For a girl dog?," please read the book To Kill a Mockingbird and then come to the realization that Scout ROCKS as a kickass girl's name!  All we know about Scout is that she came from Tennessee and landed in Chicago's Anti-Cruelty shelter (she is buggin' me right now - nudging my hand to pet and pet and pet her :) ).  They described her as a shepherd mix but this dog is a hound - for sure.  Nose into everything, lots of dog "talking," shorter hair.  Here are a few shots of her:

 

 

We just love her to pieces.  She fills the silence.  She brings life into forward motion again. And, in finding Scout, I have also found a new calling.  I am going to start volunteering with the Anti-Cruelty Society.  I always knew I preferred dogs to people...... Anyways, in final homage to my dearest Marley (as this post is about him), I quote one of my favorite authors, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Just gotta love that Dr. Seuss.  I think of Marley today, running up there in doggie heaven with all of my former dogs, and I smile - he is happy, he is safe, he is loved.