Run don't walk to see "The Help"

Get out your tissues, because this movie will make you cry. I read the book a long time ago before it even became a sensation, and I kept telling other people to read it, too. A lot of times when a book is made into a movie I'm disappointed, but this time I really felt like they got it right.

"The Help" delivers, and it gives you a glimpse of what it was like to live in the South, during a period when separate but equal was touted and believed by many.

What makes this movie and the book so memorable and touching is that in both the book and the movie the characters are fleshed out and they come to life with color, sass, and fullness. You also feel like you are experiencing the good, the bad, and the beautiful moments right along beside them.

To be honest there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I even suspect that the guy who was dragged there by his girlfriend shed some tears, but I'm sure there was just something in his eye.

I saw the movie with my mom, which made it more special. She had read the book, too, and we both were excited and nervous to see it. We both were afraid the movie wouldn't strike the same chord as the book, but it turned out that both versions delivered.

The main theme of the movie was courage, which is something we all need a little more of in ourselves and in this world. May we all have courage when it's needed. Be couragous and be bold!

Birthday Daze

Since I have a tradition of celebrating my birthday for at least a week or sometimes longer it tends to get a bit out of hand. So fun! This year was no exception. I celebrated before my birthday and during my birthday as well as after my birthday with friends and family.

This year it was decided to visit Los Angeles for the birthday weekend. The idea was to celebrate in style...and find a spot by the beach and a pool. We did it all. There's really nothing better than a girls' trip. It reminds you how much girl's rule.

Then you get home and realize that you've overindulged in food and drink, and that it's time to take care of yourself. Also, not a good idea to schedule a doctor's visit the week after the festivities. So I'm cutting out sugar (mostly), watching what I'm eating and logging it in MyFitnessPal, and getting back to exercise. Wish me luck!

Oh and I'm getting a new scale as for the first time ever I weighed four pounds less at the doctor's office. Now that's a birthday present.

Life's a beach!

Sometimes it's hard to just enjoy each day as it comes. This is especially true when you're anticipating an exciting trip. I'm headed to Cali to meet Ruth and Mary Beth for my birthday extravaganza. It is said that a lot of what makes a trip so great is the anticipation. Looking forward to vacations, fun events, or visitors is part of the fun.

That being said there are opportunities for greatness each day or at least moments to savor. For example, yesterday two grants (complicated ones at that) were turned in on time and they really were well done. If I say so myself. That was such a nice accomplishment! Then I had the evening to get laundry finished before my trip. My friend Lo stopped by so we had a glass of wine. Then I watched "Blind Side" for the second time, and it made me teary. Overall, a good day for a Monday.

Today, I am playing catchup to dig myself out after the grants. So that feels good. And tonight my friend Carrie is taking me out for an early birthday dinner. I always say you should have a birthday month! We're going to hop around some galleries, and then grab drinks and dinner. Today is going to be so fun. I dressed up!

So what does tomorrow hold? Well I'm attending a yoga breathing workshop in the morning, and who knows what else. See each day is good. Life's a beach, and it truly will be this weekend when I'm at the beach soaking up the sun.

Where is my chocolate?

This might seem like a silly question, but I need a boost, and a piece or of dark chocolate would do nicely. If my friend Mary Beth was around I'd be in great shape, as she's known to have emergency chocolate on hand. Unfortunately, I don't have any chocolate. Sure I could go to the store around the corner and down the street, but I've already been there today to pick up healthy breakfast items.

Instead I'm going to complain about needing chocolate. I actually blame the folks that made this crazy grant application that I'm writing. Overload. And did I mention that I'm writing two grants for two different nonprofits? The plan was to space out the grants so I wouldn't be overloaded, but guess what that didn't work.

So all I want is some chocolate. I could be really bad and get a yummy chocolate goody from a shop across the way. That's what I'll do. It better be open! Wish me luck!

Il Dolce Far Niente

Summertime is my favorite time of year especially in Colorado when the weather is well in a word, amazing. You can't help feeling good because the sun is shining, and everyone is in such a good mood.

The only challenge is everyone is just so busy. As we're all trying to squeeze in as much as possible in the summer it becomes overwhelming. This summer I'm planning much less, as I like to have some flexibility in my schedule. Honestly, I used to be so overscheduled that I never had free time. I'm just not willing to do that anymore.

Without freetime you can't possibly be creative or just see where the day will take you. (I know a lot of kids who are completely overscheduled...parents need to stop it). Part of this lesson was learned in Australia where people are just so much more relaxed. Americans often feel that the more they do the better.

I say that we should enjoy the summer and sometimes make it a point not to plan anything. To just enjoy. The italians say, "Il Dolce Far Niente," which means the sweetness of doing nothing. Sounds good to me. Anyone, want to take a trip to Italy?

I am thankful for my friends

Here are today's quotes about friends:

"A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."
-Bernard Meltzer

"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose."
-Tennessee Williams

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer."
-Anonymous

Friends make the world go round. Take the time today to tell a friend how much they make your life better.

Any book lovers out there?

Well one thing I've found out is that moving is difficult and blogging seems to fall by the wayside. Well now that I'm somewhat moved in...I still have some boxes to sort through so I'm back to writing in my blog.

Speaking of which I've got too many books. Yes, I have a book problem. I put my myself on a book diet so that I only buy one book at a time, which helps. And now I am downloading books on my Kindle, which doesn't take up space. My mom and I trade Kindle's so at least I can share a book as well.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't read. Quite to the contrary. It's just that when you move heavy books around you realize that maybe it isn't the best idea to keep buying so many. If I would have ended up in a small apartment like the many that I saw, I would definitely be in trouble.

And keep in mind I trade my books in for other books so I'm definitely conscious of making sure my books are read more than once. I'm a believer in books making the rounds. I also pass books on to friends, and I even send book lists of great reads to others. I may have to start trading my books in for cash at least until I can get through the stacks of books that I already own. I need to read through my library before getting more.

I keep my favorites, and I have collections such as a collection of books on writing. I also have books signed by authors such as Frank McCourt, Madelaine Albright, Yogi Berra, and more.

Obviously, I enjoy books. Recently, I joined a book club. It had been awhile since I had been in one, and it gives you a chance to discuss a book with others and enjoy some good company.

Right now I'm reading, "Unbroken," which is a creative nonfiction account of an extraordinary man's life. I highly recommend it. (And I borrowed the book so it goes back to the original owner). Want to borrow a book? It's yours for the asking!