And by that I mean, by me. Currently, my family and I are dealing with a number of challenges, including the current whopper of my mom's surgery and slow recovery. It's been discouraging and frustrating to say the least. So it's been very, very easy to feel hopeless and sometimes paralyzed in the mire of such challenges. But Paul recently forwarded this newsletter he got from St. George's for the Lenten season. It was a list of things to "Fast From and Feast On". I wasn't raised going to church but I found the list very inspiring and encouraging. The suggestions that spoke to me were:
"Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation."
"Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light."
"Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude."
"Fast from anger; Feast on patience."
And it's helped my outlook greatly. As frustrating as the struggles are, I'm focusing on what I can do or have any bit of control of. It also allowed me to recognize and appreciate the good folks that we are fortunate to have in our lives, from a nursing or health aide to good friends who allow me to rant, especially over coffee and food. Not only have such folks been a source of comfort and support, they have been role models on going onward and upward.
In case you're interested, here's the full list:
Fast From - Feast On
The Feast of the great celebration of Easter when all is made new is the comfort that allows us strength during the great 40 day Fast.
Fast From-Feast On
Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; Feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; Feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; Feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; Feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragements; Feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; Feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; Feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; Feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow; Feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that [strengthens].
-William Arthur Ward (American author, teacher and pastor, 1921-1994.)
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Strong and Sexy: Women who I Wanted to Be when I Grew Up
It started with a simple question recently: who would I want to play me in a movie about my life? Without missing a beat, I replied, "A young Sophia Loren, of course." Yes, I know she's not Asian, and technically not young enough to play any part of so-far-lived life but God knows, when I was growing up, I certainly wanted to be her. Maybe a little odd considering I don't think I saw her in a movie until seeing the film version of "Don Quixote" in a high school Spanish class. But I just remember that as a kid I saw this picture of her--and given this was when there were like 20 tv channels and no internet to drown my brain with thousands of faces--and she stayed with me:
I loved that unlike a lot of the thin, blond, giggly bunnies that were the beauties du jour of my youth, she was curvy, dark, and tough. Sure, she's uniquely beautiful, but don't call her a sex object because, dammit if that face and carriage don't demand respect. I was mesmerized by this woman who I saw personify strong determination and action, not just thought of as a pretty ornament. As a child, I knew there was no way I had the face to be a pretty object so I was encouraged and captivated by the beauty of a woman's strength that Sophia Loren solidly represented.
Then about middle school, I discovered my next tough and sexy muse, Debbie Harry, while she was lead singer of the band Blondie. Again this was right before MTV and with no older siblings, I had fairly limited access to and grasp of music and bands, so there may have been other female rockers, but I somehow managed to come across Blondie first. I was totally enthralled that not only was she lead singer of a rock/punk band, but I loved her quirky and unique look, that had that "if you don't like my style--it's your problem" confidence. And I loved her lyrics that went from longing to ripping someone to shreds. Man, I died and went to Heaven when she guested on my favorite show at the time--The Muppet Show--and sang one of my favorite songs:
I dig rainbows too, Debbie! Years later, I had a boyfriend who worked in a video store in Chelsea (where she lived) and one day she walked in. He went up to her and went on about how his girlfriend totally adored her and she was very pleasant and polite. Sigh. I'm sure she heard that all the time.
In high school, I discovered Sheila E. and Cat Glover. Well first I discovered Prince, and then these two fine and impressive ladies. As I described in my brief review of Sign O' the Times, Sheila E. symbolized that roles (like a drummer) don't have to be defined by gender but by accomplishment. And Cat--she made strong look so, so awesome.
I don't think I hold a candle to these ladies as an adult (despite my attempts at Cat-influenced dancing at weddings), but I certainly appreciate their influence on me. They opened my eyes that there was more to being a girl than trying to be pretty, that strength was an asset, and that being yourself can be pretty darn cool. In the hundreds of cable channels, internet sites, and reality shows available today, I'm glad to hear that right now, one of my daughter's favorite characters is Katniss Everdeen, tough heroine of The Hunger Games. I'm thrilled she appreciates strong women too.
I loved that unlike a lot of the thin, blond, giggly bunnies that were the beauties du jour of my youth, she was curvy, dark, and tough. Sure, she's uniquely beautiful, but don't call her a sex object because, dammit if that face and carriage don't demand respect. I was mesmerized by this woman who I saw personify strong determination and action, not just thought of as a pretty ornament. As a child, I knew there was no way I had the face to be a pretty object so I was encouraged and captivated by the beauty of a woman's strength that Sophia Loren solidly represented.
Then about middle school, I discovered my next tough and sexy muse, Debbie Harry, while she was lead singer of the band Blondie. Again this was right before MTV and with no older siblings, I had fairly limited access to and grasp of music and bands, so there may have been other female rockers, but I somehow managed to come across Blondie first. I was totally enthralled that not only was she lead singer of a rock/punk band, but I loved her quirky and unique look, that had that "if you don't like my style--it's your problem" confidence. And I loved her lyrics that went from longing to ripping someone to shreds. Man, I died and went to Heaven when she guested on my favorite show at the time--The Muppet Show--and sang one of my favorite songs:
I dig rainbows too, Debbie! Years later, I had a boyfriend who worked in a video store in Chelsea (where she lived) and one day she walked in. He went up to her and went on about how his girlfriend totally adored her and she was very pleasant and polite. Sigh. I'm sure she heard that all the time.
In high school, I discovered Sheila E. and Cat Glover. Well first I discovered Prince, and then these two fine and impressive ladies. As I described in my brief review of Sign O' the Times, Sheila E. symbolized that roles (like a drummer) don't have to be defined by gender but by accomplishment. And Cat--she made strong look so, so awesome.
I don't think I hold a candle to these ladies as an adult (despite my attempts at Cat-influenced dancing at weddings), but I certainly appreciate their influence on me. They opened my eyes that there was more to being a girl than trying to be pretty, that strength was an asset, and that being yourself can be pretty darn cool. In the hundreds of cable channels, internet sites, and reality shows available today, I'm glad to hear that right now, one of my daughter's favorite characters is Katniss Everdeen, tough heroine of The Hunger Games. I'm thrilled she appreciates strong women too.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Top Ten movie list, for now
A friend at work and I were loosely talking about favorite movies and we challenged each other to come up with a list of top ten movies. The intent was to be somewhat reflexive with no hard rules or pressure that the movies had to be critical or technical masterpieces. Also it was a list for now--it wasn't supposed to be some fixed life list--kind of a gut reaction top ten list.
I generated my list from movies that moved me, inspired me, or thrilled me. The caveat is that I haven't seen some classic or awesome movies, e.g., "Saving Private Ryan" or "Pulp Fiction", so please don't yell at me that I excluded some brilliant film. I just probably haven't seen it. And again, it's just loose gut reaction--I'm sure I'll feel I've left some great movies out by the weekend. Anyhoo here are my picks in no particular order (BTW, with three exceptions, I cried in each one):
Dumbo: Honestly, I'm not a blind devotee for Disney films (my rant on their Princess films is for another day), but for a Disney animated film, this movie articulated so much: the strength of maternal devotion, the cruelty of others (whether it is other mothers, those who dream of money with no thought of consequence, etc.), the "black feather" in all of us, and of course the big overlying message: taking what others may consider your biggest flaw, owning it and making it a strength. And of course, only an animated film made in the first half of the last century would realize underage drinking as such a cutesy, adorable trip.
Terminator 2: My God, when I saw Linda Hamilton doing those pull-ups in her cell, I was like, now that is one tough mother. I never had much affinity for damsel in distress movies and this one gifted us with the opposite. The movie had a simple universal storyline--save the world--and awesome action sequences to get there. It could only have been better if Michael Biehn's character from the first one was there. Don't worry, I didn't cry watching this one.
Hero: First off, with any foreign language film, you have to watch the non-dubbed version (with subtitles). I can't stand how dubbed versions can change a whole performance and even wreck a movie for me. Anyhoo, even though Hero is heavy in "Wire-Fu", the fight choreography (and yes, I love that there are both male and female fighters) is still amazing and beautiful. The stories are told from different points of view and the use of color and visuals are gorgeous. The underlying story of dying for a much bigger principle, i.e. unifying your country, is powerfully executed here.
Holes: For a movie aimed at kids, this movie has it all, a mystery, a love story, mythology, some action, and comedy. I loved Shia LeBeouf in this. Yes, I cried watching this movie, dammit.
Sign 'O' the Times: First I'll be the first to say I don't enjoy watching taped live music shows. When I watch SNL reruns, I generally fast forward through the music portion. But this featured Prince's music at one of his brilliant peaks and featured two of my favorite female poster women of my youth: Sheila E and Cat. Sheila E was an amazing percussionist in her own right and when Prince featured her as his drummer--women were really breaking out in places that were predominantly assumed by men. And Cat! Cat came out just when I needed her. At a time, when women were expected to be thin, pretty things that were lovely to look at (which was, and is, soooo not me), Cat arrived. With a body and carriage that exuded strength, not skinny, Cat owned the stage with such confidence, she literally reclassified sexy in my mind. BTW, I did not cry at any point in this film.
The Shawshank Redemption: Whenever this movie is on, I always get sucked in. The crafting of this gripping film that includes uncompromising views of prison life, different natures of man, hope, wit, humor, and determination is a work of art. Especially when you add Morgan Freeman's buttery baritone narration.
The Big Lebowski: I distinctly remember falling in love with Philip Seymour Hoffman after his scene-stealing performance in this movie. Overall the cast is outstanding from Jeff Bridges to Julianne Moore to Peter Stormare to John Turturro and on and on. It's a killer combo of mystery and comedy when the premise is watching a stoner solve the puzzle of mistaken identity. PS, didn't cry in this one either.
Shaun of the Dead: Yes, I know this movie owes alot to various predecessors, but this movie is brilliant in its satiric look of zombies in the modern day. The Everyman as unlikely hero is not a new concept but it's both hilariously and movingly executed in this movie by Simon Pegg.
Tampopo: This is, hands-down, one of my favorite movies of all time. If I could get my hands on a subtitled version of this, I would make it a ritual to watch it every year with some sort of party. It's a Japanese movie that has a main storyline of a struggling noodle shop interspersed with funny (some moving) vignettes of food's relationship with various facets of life. If you ever have a chance to see this movie, see it.
Precious: Well I won't bother repeating what I said before, but this movie is astounding.
And there it is, so far. I sure would LOVE to hear anybody else's favorite movies!
Edited: How could I forget another one of my favorite movies of all time? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a fantastic movie on the relationship of memory particularly in personal relationships. This movie while being both conceptually and visually out-of-the-box and arresting is wisely illuminating and uncompromising on love and long-term relationships. I can't believe I forgot about this movie--I really, really love it. Hmmm, I guess I'd have it replace "Holes" on my list. Darn, limiting to ten is hard.
I generated my list from movies that moved me, inspired me, or thrilled me. The caveat is that I haven't seen some classic or awesome movies, e.g., "Saving Private Ryan" or "Pulp Fiction", so please don't yell at me that I excluded some brilliant film. I just probably haven't seen it. And again, it's just loose gut reaction--I'm sure I'll feel I've left some great movies out by the weekend. Anyhoo here are my picks in no particular order (BTW, with three exceptions, I cried in each one):
Dumbo: Honestly, I'm not a blind devotee for Disney films (my rant on their Princess films is for another day), but for a Disney animated film, this movie articulated so much: the strength of maternal devotion, the cruelty of others (whether it is other mothers, those who dream of money with no thought of consequence, etc.), the "black feather" in all of us, and of course the big overlying message: taking what others may consider your biggest flaw, owning it and making it a strength. And of course, only an animated film made in the first half of the last century would realize underage drinking as such a cutesy, adorable trip.
Terminator 2: My God, when I saw Linda Hamilton doing those pull-ups in her cell, I was like, now that is one tough mother. I never had much affinity for damsel in distress movies and this one gifted us with the opposite. The movie had a simple universal storyline--save the world--and awesome action sequences to get there. It could only have been better if Michael Biehn's character from the first one was there. Don't worry, I didn't cry watching this one.
Hero: First off, with any foreign language film, you have to watch the non-dubbed version (with subtitles). I can't stand how dubbed versions can change a whole performance and even wreck a movie for me. Anyhoo, even though Hero is heavy in "Wire-Fu", the fight choreography (and yes, I love that there are both male and female fighters) is still amazing and beautiful. The stories are told from different points of view and the use of color and visuals are gorgeous. The underlying story of dying for a much bigger principle, i.e. unifying your country, is powerfully executed here.
Holes: For a movie aimed at kids, this movie has it all, a mystery, a love story, mythology, some action, and comedy. I loved Shia LeBeouf in this. Yes, I cried watching this movie, dammit.
Sign 'O' the Times: First I'll be the first to say I don't enjoy watching taped live music shows. When I watch SNL reruns, I generally fast forward through the music portion. But this featured Prince's music at one of his brilliant peaks and featured two of my favorite female poster women of my youth: Sheila E and Cat. Sheila E was an amazing percussionist in her own right and when Prince featured her as his drummer--women were really breaking out in places that were predominantly assumed by men. And Cat! Cat came out just when I needed her. At a time, when women were expected to be thin, pretty things that were lovely to look at (which was, and is, soooo not me), Cat arrived. With a body and carriage that exuded strength, not skinny, Cat owned the stage with such confidence, she literally reclassified sexy in my mind. BTW, I did not cry at any point in this film.
The Shawshank Redemption: Whenever this movie is on, I always get sucked in. The crafting of this gripping film that includes uncompromising views of prison life, different natures of man, hope, wit, humor, and determination is a work of art. Especially when you add Morgan Freeman's buttery baritone narration.
The Big Lebowski: I distinctly remember falling in love with Philip Seymour Hoffman after his scene-stealing performance in this movie. Overall the cast is outstanding from Jeff Bridges to Julianne Moore to Peter Stormare to John Turturro and on and on. It's a killer combo of mystery and comedy when the premise is watching a stoner solve the puzzle of mistaken identity. PS, didn't cry in this one either.
Shaun of the Dead: Yes, I know this movie owes alot to various predecessors, but this movie is brilliant in its satiric look of zombies in the modern day. The Everyman as unlikely hero is not a new concept but it's both hilariously and movingly executed in this movie by Simon Pegg.
Tampopo: This is, hands-down, one of my favorite movies of all time. If I could get my hands on a subtitled version of this, I would make it a ritual to watch it every year with some sort of party. It's a Japanese movie that has a main storyline of a struggling noodle shop interspersed with funny (some moving) vignettes of food's relationship with various facets of life. If you ever have a chance to see this movie, see it.
Precious: Well I won't bother repeating what I said before, but this movie is astounding.
And there it is, so far. I sure would LOVE to hear anybody else's favorite movies!
Edited: How could I forget another one of my favorite movies of all time? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a fantastic movie on the relationship of memory particularly in personal relationships. This movie while being both conceptually and visually out-of-the-box and arresting is wisely illuminating and uncompromising on love and long-term relationships. I can't believe I forgot about this movie--I really, really love it. Hmmm, I guess I'd have it replace "Holes" on my list. Darn, limiting to ten is hard.
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