I heard an interview with the fabulous Isabella Rossellini on NPR today – and learned of this insightful yet hysterical educational project she’s doing for the Sundance Channel.  

Each of these videos is only about 2 minutes long, and explores the sex life of a bug or sea creature.   I learned a lot. I had a hard time deciding which to post as your introduction…   several of them made me burst out laughing. 

I give you snail porno.  I warn you… snails are pretty kinky

You really need to go to The Sundance Channel website and watch all of these. Season one was about bugs – spiders, worms, praying mantis, etc. Season two has sea creatures – limpets, whales, starfish, etc.

Please go watch them and tell me which are your favorites.

And now, another thrilling book review….

I picked up The Lovely Bones at SeaTac airport on my way to Kauai last week.  I didn’t know anything about it, though the name was familiar and I liked the cover.    It was a good choice (in contrast to the bad choice I made last time I purchased a book at the airport.)

I give this book 8 out of 10 clams.  

Loved the book.  It was unexpected and charming – which sounds a bit strange when you know the story is about a murdered 14 year old girl named Susie Salmon.  The entire story is told from her perspective, in her heaven, as she recalls events and watches over her family and friends (as well as her murderer) as they try to cope with her loss and rebuild their lives. 

It’s a story about relationships, personal discovery, loss and longing – with a bit of mystery and suspense woven in.  Beautiful characters.   It is sweet and sad – and very well written.  If any of that appeals to you - and if you haven’t done so – I highly recommend The Lovely Bones to you.   I understand that Peter Jackson has directed a movie based on the book, to be released in December….  so certainly read it before you see then film.

OK, so that wasn’t a particularly thrilling review (I admit it, I’m lazy with my reviews) but it was a lovely book and I’d love to hear if you read it and how you liked it.

Last night I finally finished reading “The Appeal” by John Grisham – this is my brief review.

Normally, I’m a big fan of John Grisham. Normally when I start reading a book, I have a hard time putting it down. This book took me 4 weeks to finish…. frankly, it’s not up to his usual standard and was a bit of a let down.

I give it 3 out of 10 clams.

Have you read The Appeal? Do you agree with my assessment? Or did you like it better than I did?

So, on my 25 Random Things list I shared that I had lost 49 lbs since August 15th.  Make that 54 lbs as of today.  Several of you asked how I’m doing it – so here is your answer.

I was lean as a teenager….  but, everything changed with my first pregnancy.   My weight has been up and down a lot over the years – far more up than down the past 10.   And at 47 was finding that nothing was working… didn’t matter how little I ate, how active I was, I just wasn’t seeing results. 

I felt better when I went on regular walks, went to Curves 3 times a week, and watched what I ate – but I wasn’t losing any weight.   In fact, I had vowed to never “diet” again - since it seems like every time I do, I lose weight, but then gain it back plus more.  My doctor suggested I look at the Lapband (it had worked for her), but I wasn’t prepared to consider a surgical option.

Last summer, I was made aware of this weight loss protocol – and was completely resistant to it at first. But I started researching it and (even though I had vowed I wasn’t going to tell anyone, in case it didn’t work), I enlisted the help of my sister – who was also looking for alternatives to shed some weight. Honestly, she did most of the research Kristin and I both decided it was the best option we had. So I found a local naturopath who offered it, we made an appointment and jumped in.

hCG Protocol by Dr. Albert Simeons 

It’s not for the faint of heart, though it is the simplest, most effective way I’ve found.  There are naysayers who claim it doesn’t work… but I and many others are living proof it does.  And, frankly,  if you have a negative view of the hCG diet, I’d prefer you keep it to yourself.   I’m not sharing this information to recruit others to try this – just to share what is working for me, because I was asked.

Read the rest of this entry »

I’m here in the middle of one of the biggest snow storms in Seattle history…   I’ve only been out twice in the past week – grocery shopping.  Today it took me nearly 30 minutes to dig my car out from under the foot of snow.   And more is in the forecast tonight – so it looks like it will be a white Christmas.  Which brings me to the point of my post – holiday movies.

I remember as a kid looking forward to the annual “Charlie Brown Christmas“, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Rudolph” specials on TV.   But there are also some great holiday themed movies.

There are classics like “White Christmas” and newer fare such as “Elf” – but I think one of my favorite holiday movies is “Love Actually“.  I know it’s not, actually, a holiday movie – but it does take place during the holidays and I really enjoy it.  

Let’s make a list and check it twice.  What are some of your favorite holiday movies?   Are there any you watch every year no matter what?  Any holiday movie traditions?

NOTE:  One of the weirdest movie traditions I ever participated in was at the Pearce family Christmas party.  The first year was ok – someone video taped it.  But the next year, our “entertainment” was watching the previous year’s taped party!!   And the following year we watched it again!!!!   Man, those Pearces know how to party…..     

Meet Amy Haase. I like her, and here’s why.

Last night, Kristin & Craig were in town and invited me to join them for dinner at Machiavelli’s in Seattle.  
     

Can I just go off topic here for a minute and rave again about the food at this little restaurant???    Deciding between the Chicken Milanese and the Tortellini Formaggio with Cream Sauce, Proscuitto and Peas is always a daunting task. (I went with the Chicken Milanese with roasted veggies on the side – Kris opted for the Tortellini and we shared a bit with each other).  Craig enjoyed the Chicken al Forno with a side of Spaghetti (which he rated 9 on a scale of 10). Simply put, Machiavelli’s is the BEST Italian food I have ever had – surprisingly affordable, and in my top 3 restaurants of all time…  don’t ask what the other 2 are, I haven’t decided, just leaving the spots open.   Personally, I think it would be worth your while to make a trip to Seattle just to eat at this little gem. But you have to invite me to join you, of course. This was Craig’s first visit – perhaps he can tell you if it lived up to all of the hype……

OK, back to Amy. After dinner, we drove back to Molbak’s (where I had left my car) and Kristin and I ran in for a potty break while Craig ran an errand to a man store (auto parts). As we were waiting for his return, we gandered at the billions of poinsettias, and I convinced Kristin to sit in front of the giant poinsettia tree so I could take her photo. She was reluctant, but agreed.

While sitting on the bench waiting for me to snap a shot, she said “I feel silly.”

And at that moment, a fellow shopper says “I’ll sit with you!”

Delighted, we laughed and invited her to do so, and she did.

Amy is a spontaneous, fun and thoughtful person – stepped outside herself to try and help someone else feel more comfortable – just the sort of person we’d love to get to know. We learned she has been living in North Carolina, but is looking to make a return to Seattle (where her family lives.) We hope you do, Amy!

After all this excitement, Kristin discovered she needed another potty break – and I, apparently, needed to amuse myself while waiting for her.

So I stuck my camera over the stall to snap her photo – and found the shot I captured to be absolutely hysterical. Don’t ask me why.  Maybe I was drunk with the joy of my Machiavelli meal and our encounter with Amy, but I showed Kristin the photo, and we both came out of the bathroom with tears running down our cheeks, barely able to breathe from laughter. Craig thought we were nuts. I think he’s probably right.

What fun people have you met in unexpected ways and places?

Ashley and I saw Twilight yesterday with a theater full of adoring fans… including some very silly girls who screamed and clapped when Edward first appeared on the screen….

First off, it was great having some mother-daughter-movie time.  Just fun to go hang out.  I miss being able to do that, so we must take advantage of the opportunity whenever it arises.     It was also great to have reserved seats.

The movie was….  good.  Not great, not bad.  Better than ok.  Some characters seemed well very cast (Bella, Alice, Dr. Cullen, and Jacob in particular) and others were good, but not outstanding.  Bella and Edward had definite chemistry on screen.  Edward (actor) didn’t bug me as much as I thought he would – he was pretty good… but he wasn’t perfect for the role.  Laurent had a fabulous chest.  Character development was limited, and important characters weren’t given enough screen time. - It all felt a bit too shallow to capture the intensity of feeling in the book.  Felt more like a Cliff Notes version.    I’m not sure someone seeing the movie without having read the book would really “get” the depth of the story.

I could have done without the weird tree climbing scene (not part of the book, as I recall), and I was disappointed in the sunlight meadow experience.  It surprises me they didn’t spend a bit more on making this film, knowing how very popular it was.

Of course the scenery in the movie was spectacular – it’s such a beautiful area.  Though almost everything had a blue cast to it that I didn’t see that much either time I visited… 

So see the movie – it was a fun afternoon diversion.  And I’ll look forward to on screen sequels.  But it really doesn’t live up to the standard of the book, imo.

Have you seen Twilight?  What did you think?

Based on Kathleen’s recommendation, I just finished reading the new English translation of Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. 

It’s one of the best mystery/thrillers I’ve read in years.  Getting into the swing of pronouncing all the Swedish names and places in my head (like Saltsjöbaden, Järnvägsgatan and Aftonbladet)  took a bit of an adjustment – but didn’t take long… and worth the effort. 

I don’t want to give anything away, because this a must read for anyone who loves a good Agatha Christie type murder mystery.  But I will say that Mr. Larsson wove two different stories together brilliantly.  A fascinating story that was hard to put down.  The characters are original and engaging, he offers lots of interesting twists – complexity without being confusing.  Has it’s dark moments, but doesn’t overdo it.  You can tell the author has passion about the issues in the book.

I’m looking forward to the publishing of the rest of the trilogy in English…  and also disappointed that the author died in 2004 – shortly after delivering the manuscripts for this and 2 subsequent novels.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Move over, Braeburn, there’s a new apple in town. 

For several years, my favorite type of apple has been the Braeburn.  Sweet and tart, nice and crisp they’re wonderful when in season.  And, living in the beautiful state of Washington, I get them fresh and crisp every year.   But they haven’t shown up in stores yet (harvest is a bit later than usual due to a colder than usual spring/early summer).

Last week I wanted/needed some apples, and I’ve learned to just ask the nearest grocery department employee “So, what apples are best right now.”  And on this occasion, I was directed to an apple I’d never heard of before. 

They were $3.98 a lb – twice as much as any of the other apples – but he swore they were worth it.  And I’ve learned to trust these guys, after buying apples on my own that turned out to be a bit mushy.  Blech.  So I bought several and took them home.

Behold my new apple love…. The Honey Crisp.

  
This sweet little guy has a crisp “to-die-for” texture.  Nothing worse than a mushy apple. (Ok, there are worse things, but that’s beside the point).  And from what I’ve experienced and read, no other apple matches its crispness.

I finished off my first round and just bought 6 more… still at $3.98 per lb.  Worth every penny. Yum. I haven’t tried with caramel, but I bet they’d be delicious.

Have you ever tried a Honey Crisp?  Whate did you think?  What are your favorite apples?

In the early 80s, Kristin and I were watching HBO and happened upon one of the most memorable films of our lives.  It was a brief, animated short film which had won the 1982 Student Academy Award. 

It was called “Guess Who’s For Dinner” and in it, a spinach monster attacks a child during dinner.  It was hysterical and after 25 years is still a clear image in my head. Kristin and I have both spent hours over the years, searching for this in any form… if you stumble upon it, let us know!   The talented animator, Kathy Zielinski has gone on to career with Disney and animated the memorable character Ursula (the witch) in the Little Mermaid, in addition to others.

And then, of course, there were the midnight short film festivals at the Villa theatre where I saw some memorable, and not so memorable animated shorts. Who could forget…

Bambi vs. Godzilla?

I’ve been a fan of short films ever since. So I was delighted to find I can get the academy award nominated shorts for 2004 – 2007.   I got 2006 first (because that’s the one I noticed first) and watched them last night.   What a delightful evening.   Some were better than others, of course – but I enjoyed all of them but one.

I think my favorite live action short was  “éramos pocos” (spain).   Mom has left her slob of a husband and grown son, who are helpless without her. They liberate Gran from a nursing home to cook and clean for them.  Fun, with a twist.

West Bank Story is a love story and rivalry between Israelis and Palestinians and their fast food joints.  Made by students at USC, it actually was a musical – and won the Oscar.  It was fun.

My favorite animated short was The Danish Poet” (Canada-Norway) - which did win the Academy Award.  Simple line drawings and a sweet story. You can actually see this one on YouTube.

I’m looking forward to the other years’ collections!   Do you like short films?  Have you seen any that were memorable or that you’d recommend?