.half way through.

Yay! Day 15 and still going! The last few days have been rough! I find myself drained, and nearly brain dead by the time I get the chance to sit down and post, which explains why I feel as if I'm just rambling about stuff that probably doesn't make any sense to anyone else and, why I can't seem to spell rite, and, and, and. . . I'm enjoying it! Ha! Have a wonderful and beautiful week everyone! I'll see you back tomorrow with hopefully something with more substance!

P.S. If you haven't seen this adorable movie yet, you must! It is such a sweet, sweet film. You will tear up in the first 20 minutes, if that says anything.

.just 3 more days.

The long awaited movie based on Maurice Sendak's classic children's book, Where the Wild Things Are, will finally make its debut this Friday. Yay! Care to join me in a Wild Rumpus?!

Where the Wild Things Are Official Website

.kids with cameras.

As I mentioned in the previous post, I wanted to return with an entry about a documentary film I recently viewed.  Born Into Brothels, an award winning film by Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski, documents the photographic experience of eight children living in the red-light district of Calcutta, India.  Under the tutelage of Briski these resilient youngsters find themselves behind the camera lens, documenting their own lives, their own environments, and in some cases, their destiny.  

Zana Briski, a photographer based out of New York City, originally came to the red-light district to capture the lives of the prostitutes living in these brothels.  During her time there, she became a friend, an "Auntie" and eventually an advocate for some of the children of the very women she came to observe.  Their curiosity about photography is what inspired Briski to form a class, teaching these children to see their surroundings through that of the camera's viewfinder.  Using 35mm point-and-shoot cameras, the children were able to embark on a journey behind the lens, recording bits and pieces of their lives.  It is from these images that money has been raised to help provide them with an education, in hopes of living a better life from whence they came.  After filming this project, Zana Briski created Kids With Cameras, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help teach children, from ostracized communities around the world, to embrace art and self-worth through photography.  This is a film that I absolutely adore.  For many reasons, I recommend you to watch this film.  Preview the trailer below.

.peeking into marie antoinette's closet.

There's just something about ruffles, ribbon, and lace playing its part in the ever so fashionable world of 18th century France that you can't help but find yourself being drawn to it.  Such was the case for me when I decided to plop in a recently purchased DVD of Sofia Coppola's rendition of Marie Antoinette, a script based upon the novel by Antonia Fraser.  As with many movies that I find myself falling in love with, its first introduction onto the movie screen sparked only a mild interest with me.  Why?  I'm not sure why.  My usual movie tastes tend to lean towards historically based, periodic films.  This one was somehow overlooked.  After reading over some encouraging, and some not so enthusiastic reviews on the movie, I decided to get it.  Sure, the punk rock music woven into the film kinda threw me off just a little, and yes, Hollywood tends to create its own version of how historic events take their shape.  Regardless, I adored this movie, especially, MOST especially for the absolutely gorgeous wardrobe created by costume director, Milena Canonero.  

My eyes were glued to the tv screen as I watched Kirsten Dunst portray the young queen, adorned in the finest and most detailed of attire I have ever seen!  There is no question as to how this movie won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Costume Design.  From the exquisite gowns and up-do's, right down to the fanciest of footwear, it was all simply magnifique!  Even the array of decadently decorated cakes, of course, were truly works of art!

After watching the film, and having to wipe the drool off my chin (ha!), I recalled a book on ribbonwork that I had bought several years ago entitled Ribbonwork:  The Complete Guide, by Helen Gibb.  I was so intrigued by the detail and sheer beauty of the craft, that I had all full intentions of starting my own collection of wonderfully crafted florals.  However, a full and tiresome schedule kept me from starting the project.  The book sat, amongst a plethora of other craft books, forgotten, until now.  Perhaps I'll be able to start that well intended project this week, especially considering the fact that my ribbon stockpile has never stopped growing.  If I do, you'll be the first to know!  Meanwhile, take a look at some clips from the movie here.

{Marie Antoinette photos were provided by Costumer's Guide.}

added 3/3/11

.a taste for small pleasures.

Amelie. . . such a quirky, sweet French film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou as the film's heroine.  I hate to admit that the first time I watched this movie, I didn't really pay much attention to it therefore didn't care much for it.  I know, what a dope!  But that was many years ago!  Here lately, I have fallen deeply in love with music by Yann Tiersen, the composer who created the soundtrack for this film.  Well, needless to say, I broke down and bought the movie. . . and I am so glad that I did.  I LOVE it!  Truly one of my most favorite films of all time.  As I watched it over and over, there was one line in the film that really stuck out to me.  It was a line from the narrator. . . [gently a piano plays "Comptine d'Un Autre Été"] . . . and he says, ". . . she cultivates a taste for small pleasures. . . " as Amelie slowly glides her hand into a barrel of grain.  I had to think about this.  What "small pleasures" make up the little hints of sunshine in my day?  Your day?    

~ I like feeling the coolness of the sheets when I slip my hands under my pillow.

~ I eat the toppings off of pizzas and then the bread.  Same with sushi.  I eat the insides then the nori and rice.  

~ I enjoy watching rings form on the waters surface.

~ I love hearing the laughter of a child. . . especially if that child is my own.

~ I like to sing while I drive.  

Well these are just a few of them anyways.  I truly believe that if we could simply slow down a little each day, just enough to "smell the roses," we could enhance the quality of our life just a bit more.  I don't know about you, but I too want to "cultivate a taste for small pleasures" and maybe then, I could smile just a wee bit more.  I hear smiling is good for the face.  ;o)

Now for those of you who have never even heard of the movie Amelie, here is a taste for you.  Yes, it is a foreign film.  There are no subtitles in this trailer, but who cares.  Just look at the wonderful imagery!  Definitely a film worth watching!