A Necessity For Life

Have you ever thought how blessed you are to be able to turn on a faucet and get good, clean water in response to your action?  What if you had to walk three hours to fetch a pail of water to quench your thirst or cleanse yourself and that water was dirty, but the only water available?  Well, this is the situation facing almost a billion people on this planet.  This is why I donate to Charity: Water.  Since operating expenses are paid by private donors, every penny donated by the public goes to the project of digging wells in areas around the world that are so desperately in need of something we most likely take for granted.

You may choose to donate $20, which will provide clean water for one person for 20 years, or you may decide to donate to a special project that is funded every September; either way, you will be giving the gift of a more healthy life to others not as fortunate as yourself.  

On A Clear Day

After working for many years as a shipbuilder in Glasgow, Frank ( Peter Mullan) loses his job at age 55.  Already burdened with the emotional scar of losing a young son years earlier, his relationship with wife, Joan (Brenda Blethyn), and other son (Jamie Sives) is distant; now, really too young to retire and knowing that finding a new job will be difficult, he enters a state of depression.  One day, at a local pool, he sees a physically challenged child bravely swimming and, in a burst of inspiration, he decides that to regain his self-respect he will attempt to swim the English Channel!

A nice mix of drama, humor and wonderful characters, this is a film worth viewing.  

Something the Lord Made

This film is based on the true story of white surgeon Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and his African American lab assistant Vivien Thomas (Mos Def) who, together, invented both the instruments and the procedure necessary to correct the heart deformity that resulted in "blue babies".

The time was the 1940's and the two men were confronted not only by racial prejudice, but by a medical community who believed heart surgery, of any kind, was impossible.

This beautifully acted and soul-stirring drama gives an insight into the medical profession and shows that, when a man believes in himelf and follows his dream, nothing can stop him. 



  

Help A Soldier, Save A Dog

When my sister, Connie, and I were children, we did have pets, 2 box turtles, Inky and Blinky (he only had one eye), which we would allow to race down a hallway in our flat, a canary, Billy, who was a great singer and a parakeet, Tippy, who would fly and sometimes land on us.  We had a puppy once, but it didn't get a name because when it began to lick our faces, my dad returned it to the shelter.

I didn't need to worry, because my entire adult life would be filled with dogs.  I married the reincarnation of Saint Francis and our children inherited the gene..."Mom, the dog just followed us home from the beach.  Can we keep it, PLEASE?"  I guess my children knew a pushover when they saw one; I can't bear to see an animal suffer.  Naturally, all of the dogs had to be neutered and given the necessary immunizations and we don't believe in keeping pets outdoors.  Our house must have had a neon sign flashing "FREE ROOM AND BOARD FOR STRAYS.  APPLY WITHIN."  Yes, dog hair became our clothes constant companion.

So, you can understand why I fell in love with this particular charity, Freedom Service Dogs, which rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to be service companions to wounded soldiers.  The dogs who do not make the grade are adopted out to loving families.  It's a win-win situation!

Little Manhattan

Gabe (Josh Hutcherson) and Rosemary (Charlie Ray) have known each other practically their whole lives, but when they meet at a karate class, Gabe sees Rosemary in an entirely different light.  It's LOVE in all its wonderful yet heart-wrenching glory!

This film, narrated by 11-year-old Gabe, is both charming and humorous.  The clever dialogue, musical score and New York scenery make this a movie the whole family can enjoy.  Perhaps it will take you on a sentimental journey back to memories of your first crush...there's nothing wrong with that!

Georgiann's Big Adventure

My daughter, Laura, and son-in-law, Scott, entertained me royally at their home this past weekend.  In celebration of Mother's Day, we were joined by good friend, Erin, and her delightful mother, Clare.

After a wonderful brunch at the Icosium Kafe, a Middle Eastern restaurant that specializes in crepes, both savory and sweet, we went to an Italian bakery to purchase some delectable pastries to be enjoyed later in the day.  So we would not starve, (you must be an eager eater to be a member or friend of our family) we made a stop at an imported food shop where Laura picked out baba ghanoush, roasted red pepper dip, yogurt dip, pita bread, etc. etc.  I won't step on a scale for a few days!

For viewing pleasure, I was given a tour of Laura and Scott's garden, we watched a movie, (The Namesake) which we enjoyed and the Blackhawk's game, which we did not. (the Hawks lost)

And there was THE MONOPOLY GAME, which was won by Little Miss Lucky, Laura.  When telling my youngest daughter, Jennifer, about the outcome of the game, she said, "Oh, Laura is so cold and you know she cheats don't you?"  We laughed... my girls love to tease each other and I love that.

Well, I'm back at home now.  My two cats are happy to see me and I am left with some happy memories of a weekend away.

Kinky Boots

One child's family has manufactured traditional men's shoes for generations and another child loves wearing beautiful shoes.  As adults, they cannot lead lives determined by their fathers, but must embrace life on their own terms.  When their individual needs require them to join forces, the result is a lesson in understanding and friendship.

Inspired by a true story, this English movie stars Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor.  The cast also includes some real employees of the shoe factory.  Great performances by all, this is poignant, funny and memorable.

I love the opening scene with the child hesitantly and then joyfully skipping down the boardwalk wearing red heels!

Waking Ned Devine

Someone in the town of Tulaigh Mohr has won the jackpot in the national lottery.

Hoping to get a share of the prize, Jackie (Ian Bannen) and Michael (David Kelly) begin a search to find and befriend the winner.  They find him, but getting a share is going to be very difficult; so begins a scheme that gets the whole town involved.

With beautiful scenery and eccentric characters, this charming and humorous tale of friendship and community is sure to bring a laugh or two.  Don't miss the motorbike scene!

A Little Taste Of Scotland

Shortbread cookies have long been a favorite of mine.  I was buying cookies imported from Scotland at the local grocery store and they were good, but while doing an internet search, I came upon a New York based company baking cookies that are even better.

The company is Thistle Baking Company and the baker and president is Sandra Beach.  Sandra was born in Scotland and comes from a family of bakers who have served Britain's royalty for generations.  Using her grandmother's recipe and the finest natural ingredients, Sandra is producing some of the best hand-made cookies you will ever find.  They're not cheap, but one taste and you'll know they're worth every penny.  

Making Scents

When I had my stroke back in 2005, I was away from my home for a long time.  After my hospital stay, I lived with my sister, Connie, and brother-in-law, Cliff, for a couple of months while I was undergoing out-patient physical therapy.  All in all, I was gone almost a year.

I had boarded my aged and somewhat incontinent dog in a good kennel, but my two elderly cats, who hide from everyone except me, remained alone in my house.  My sister and brother-in-law came often to clean the litter boxes and refill food and water dishes.  Not a great situation, but the best we each could do.

Since I could no longer work, keeping up with my mortgage payments would be impossible.  Graciously, Connie and Cliff decided to buy my house and I would now be their tenant.  In my absence, they began upgrading, starting with repainting several rooms and cleaning the carpet.  However, when a house is left vacant for a period of time it doesn't smell fresh and inviting.

I remembered that my sister-in-law, Cathy, had given me a home fragrance product one Christmas;  it was called a Wallflower and the scent was Tree.  My holiday decorations always included an artificial tree, but I really missed the smell of evergreen, so I welcomed this gift.  Unlike most imitation "pine" scents that are so overpowering, Tree really does smell like an evergreen.

Now, back at home and once again lovingly surrounded by my dog, Maggie, and cats, Misha and Max, I intended to make our surroundings a little more pleasant.  I headed over to the Bath & Body Works website where they offer many options in the Wallflowers line that could have my home smelling good all year round.

I discovered that Tree is seasonal, but I've also received compliments when I plug in Butterfly Flower, Leaves, Eucalyptus, and Vanilla Noir.  I usually wait for their semi-annual sale to stock up ( I have paid as little as $5 for the two-pack refills). Free shipping is often offered also.

Young @ Heart

This documentary follows a group of senior citizens from Massachusetts as they rehearse and then perform a concert of pop and rock songs.  Their average age may be 80, but that doesn't stop them from singing the hits of Coldplay, Sonic Youth and James Brown.  Music director, Bob Cilman, manages to combine a healthy dose of prodding with a genuine concern for the group's health issues and this results in a film that elicits both laughter and tears.

This inspiring film reminds one that life isn't over til it's over!    

Truly, Madly, Deeply

Nina (Juliet Stevenson) cannot move past the fact that the love of her life, Jamie (Alan Rickman), has died.  Her grief is so great that, somehow, she manages to make him reappear.  Nina is overjoyed and comforted.  Life is blissful once again until Jamie invites some friends from "the other side" to join him in Nina's apartment.  Now, Nina is forced to remember that life with Jamie was not all that perfect.  Can she let him go and move on with her life?

I especially enjoyed the scene with Nina dancing through the apartment accompanied by the music from Jamie's cello.  This movie is a keeper!   

What's Eating Gilbert Grape

Gilbert (Johnny Depp) is still a young man, but his mother (Darlene Cates) relies on him to be "the man of the house."  His responsibilities include watching over his brother, Arnie (a young Leonardo DiCaprio), who is mentally disabled.  The family lives in a small town and Gilbert's future seems destined to be joyless until fate steps in and Gilbert meets a newcomer (Juliette Lewis) who has a zest for living.

Great performances by all, especially DiCaprio who is totally convincing as a boy with mental challenges. 

This is a movie that will stay in your memory for a long long time.

Harvesting Nature's Bounty In Michigan

There is a company here in Michigan that is absolutely the best when it comes to preserving the fruits harvested on small, local, sometimes multi-generational, family-owned farms.  Since 1982, American Spoon has been producing award winning preserves, fruit salsas, relishes and more.  Cooking small batches at a time in copper kettles and using more fruit than sugar results in a superior product...no wonder they have achieved national recognition.

If vacation plans find you traveling through Michigan, stop in at one of their stores where you can taste some yummy samples.  That's how they hooked me!

Now I order online.  Some of my favorites are Mango Butter, Black Mission Fig Conserve, Michigan Maple Syrup and Mango Habanero Salsa.

Animals Are Beautiful People

Shot in Africa over a period of four years, this award winning documentary will appeal to the entire family.  Combining comical sound effects, great music and a narrative that assigns human characteristics to animals going about their daily lives, this film educates in the most entertaining way.

I originally saw this in the 1970's and viewed it again recently.  Finding it has stood the test of time, I have added it to my personal collection.

Dear Frankie

Years earlier, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer) took her son (Jack McElhone) and ran from a life with an abusive husband.  As mother and son move from town to town, Lizzie, with the best of intentions, invents a new family history; she tells her son, Frankie, that his father is a seaman aboard the HMS Accra and even manages to send tender letters from his "father" telling about adventures in distant places.

Now, the deception is backing her into a corner; Frankie discovers the ship is docked near their latest home!  Lizzie will have to break her son's heart with the truth or quickly hire a man (Gerard Butler) to pose as his dad.

A story about love and kindness.  Great performances by all.        

Children Of Heaven

In this Iranian film, a young boy (Amir Farrokh Hashemian) accidentally loses his sister's (Bahare Seddiqi) only pair of "good" shoes.  He's afraid to tell their parents, but she needs her shoes in order to attend school.

He devises a plan that involves the daily sharing of his sneakers, a plan not without difficulty because they each attend schools that are some distance apart.

Serendipitously, he hears about a foot race that has, wonder of wonders, a pair of sneakers as third prize!  He enters the contest, but can he place third??

Just watching these beautiful children made this movie a winner with me.

When Things Get Too Hot To Handle

I have always had a problem with pot holders and oven mitts; no matter how careful I am, after a few uses they look as if they had gone through a war.  Covered with stains that no amount of washing can eliminate, they present an unsightly display on my kitchen wall rack.

Enter a great solution, Duncan's Kitchen Grips;  this mitt, made of FLXaPRENE, is water repellent, stain resistant and can withstand both hot and cold temperature extremes.  It is flexible (make sure you fully insert your hand), can be worn on either hand and can be washed under the faucet of your kitchen sink.  I purchased mine at Williams-Sonoma where it is shown as Euro Mitt, Red.  It is expensive at $14.95 per mitt, but since mine still looks brand new after much use, I believe it is money well spent.

Wonderful Cake, Wonderful Cause

If you love pound cake, as I do, you will find the absolute best at Janie's Cakes.  Janie, following her great-grandmother's recipes uses only the finest and freshest all natural or organic ingredients.... real butter and dairy cream, eggs laid by her own chickens, unbleached flour, Madagascar vanilla, organic chocolate.  You get the idea, she takes great pride in producing premium quality, made-from-scratch cakes.

Now, if this isn't reason enough to place an order, here is another; Janie and her family live on a working cattle ranch in Texas (The Rockin' C Ranch) and every summer her husband, Matt, runs a Christian camp for kids.  Over 1000 kids are housed and fed each year and Janie donates a portion of the proceeds from cake sales to a scholarship fund that allows disadvantaged kids to attend.  Over half of the camp's participants receive financial assistance.

Have I made my case?  When I finish this post, I am going to reward myself with a slice of The Italian Jane cake that has been calling to me from the kitchen.

I have personally tasted The Italian Jane, the La Dolce Vita Jane and The Cinnamon Jane; loved the first two, but did not care for the last...the cinnamon was so overpowering, it masked the cake's butter and vanilla flavor.  Janie uses Saigon cinnamon, which is great, but perhaps using a little less would be a good idea.  Janie did state this was her spiciest creation and she wasn't kidding!   

Cinema Paradiso

A young boy (Salvatore), living in a small Sicilian town, is completely captivated by movies.  He charms himself into the life of the projectionist (Alfredo) who works in the town's only theater.  Reluctant at first, Alfredo becomes the boy's mentor and loving friend.  When Salvatore reaches young manhood, Alfredo encourages him to leave the town and pursue his dreams.

Salvatore, now a famous movie director, is called back to Sicily to attend Alfredo's funeral.  As he sees the town again for the first time in 30 years, a flood of childhood memories touches his heart and soul.

This touching foreign film has remained one of my very favorites for years!

Unconditional Love

A dutiful and unassuming wife (Kathy Bates) has her world turned upside-down when her husband (Dan Ackroyd) leaves her and her pop star idol (Jonathan Pryce) is killed.  With her life in shambles, she decides her only salvation would be to travel to London to attend the pop star's funeral.  So begins a totally improbable, wacky and wonderful adventure that has me laughing still.

An Unfinished Life

A widow ( Jennifer Lopez) and her daughter (Becca Gardner) are forced to take refuge at the Wyoming homestead of her estranged father-in-law (Robert Redford).  His life has become one of bitterness since the death of his son and the only time he shows any tenderness is when he is caring for his former ranch hand (Morgan Freeman), who has been mauled by a grizzly bear.

This is not a fast paced, over-the-top action thriller.  It is a film with beautiful scenery, great understated acting and a message of redemption and forgiveness.

William & Mary

He (Martin Clunes), a funeral director, and she (Julie Graham), a midwife, meet through a dating service. Their courtship endures many of life's ups and downs, but even the most serious situations are handled with a light touch.  A wonderful blend of comedy and drama, this British television series, although it requires a big investment of your time, running about 9 hours, is time well spent.  I was sorry to see it end!

When I Feel Like A Nut

When it comes to roasted nuts and great natural peanut butter, you won't find any better than those produced at Koeze.  This is a company following the traditions started by grandfather, Albertus Koeze, in 1925.  The addition of confections to their product line started in the 1980's.

Enough of the history, now to the good stuff that won my heart.

The Cream-Nut Natural Peanut Butter, which is made in small batches, has only two ingredients, roasted and slowly ground Virginia peanuts and a little sea salt.  At first use, you'll have to stir in the oil that has risen to the top of the jar, but after refrigeration, this is no longer necessary.

In Chicago, we called these candies "turtles", but Koeze calls them Puddles.  I especially enjoy the Dark Chocolate Pecan Puddles.  I sent some to my daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Kyle, in Tennessee and got rave reviews.  Crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, smooth chocolate...what more could a person desire!

I have not personally tried the Colossal Cashews, but those who received them as gifts from me said they were huge and delicious.      

Saint Ralph

Ralph (Adam Butcher) is quite charming, but he is not a saint.  Nevertheless, when his mother needs a miracle to be cured, Ralph believes he's just the boy for the task.  This feel-good movie will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh along the way.  Also starring Campbell Scott as Father Hibbert, this is one of my very favorite films.

To Give Or Not To Give, That Is The Question

I don't believe life is worth living if you aren't contributing to the betterment of others.  However, it's a sure bet that making a donation to one charity results in your mailbox being flooded with solicitations from many others.  Most days, that is all the mail I receive!

Now, I don't let this never ending deluge turn me into a Scrooge, but since I am on a fixed income, I must be selective.  These are the websites I use to help me with the decision making process:  Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, Great Nonprofits, and Guidestar .

The Visitor

A lonely professor (Richard Jenkins), who has lost his zest for living, discovers an immigrant couple are squatters in his seldom used apartment.  Reluctant at first, he soon finds himself drawn into their lives.

Viewing this will probably open up discussions about illegal aliens and the way our country deals with them; in any event, with an open heart, you will surely care about these people.

The Station Agent

A dwarf (Peter Dinklage) and an artist (Patricia Clarkson) are each trying to live solitary lives, but they don't stand a chance when a neighbor (Bobby Cannavale), who is like a puppy dog when it comes to friendliness, sets up a food stand in their midst.

One of my favorite lines comes from a young school-girl who just asks an innocent question.  Gosh, I was so touched by this film.

Mrs. Palfrey at The Claremont

This movie tells the tale of an elderly widow (Joan Plowright, who, in real life, was a wife of Sir Laurence Olivier) who has lived a rich and full life, but now decides to live out her remaining years in a London hotel inhabited solely by seniors. She intends to be independent, but does expect visits from a grandson (Lorcan O'Toole, son of Peter O'Toole of Lawrence of Arabia fame) who lives nearby.  As she waits for this grandson to call, fate intervenes, she meets a young man (Rupert Friend) and the resulting friendship enriches the lives of both.

If you take the time to listen to the director's commentary, you will learn some interesting and fun facts about the making of this movie; for instance, the movie was filmed in a working hotel and the employees had to duck under the reception desk when the cameras were rolling.    

Movies I Buy

My daughter, Laura, got me started at Netflix and it has worked really well for me.  I have made some great finds there.

Give me a story that has everyday people just trying to live life.  I don't care if it shows people at their best or their worst, it just has to possess some quality that touches me to the core.

I especially enjoy movies made in England, Ireland or Scotland because their actors are not made up to look "perfect".  Spaces between teeth, big ears, balding heads, glasses, ageing bodies...all is laid bare, perfect imperfection in all its glory.  I can identify with these people, laugh and cry with them, share their story.  When I think back to the people who made the greatest impact on my life, they were not beauty queens nor tall, dark, handsome hunks, they were ordinary everyday people, just trying to do what they thought was right and just.              

Online Grocery Shopping

I don't drive since my stroke, but I still need to eat.

My sister, a true Godsend, does my grocery shopping.  I go online to see the Meijer and Martin's ads, make a list, my sister calls to get my order and brings the goods when she comes to visit.  She never complains, saying she is shopping for her family anyway, but after a couple of years, I felt I needed to relieve her of some of the burden.  I had always been independent and extremely reluctant to ask for help.  My, my how a stroke can turn a life upside-down.

At first, I signed up with Senior Nutrition Services.  A very nice lady, named Christine, would deliver a meal every day. The meals were sometimes tasty and it was good to have someone checking in on me.  After two years, I was just not enjoying mealtime.  The menu didn't have much variety and during my cooking years, I was one who made it my life's mission to try any and all recipes that came my way.  Definitely time for a change.

This brings me to another great find, Schwan's.  This company has been in business for over 55 years.  They make deliveries every two weeks and have over 350 flash-frozen products, everything from appetizers to desserts, including fully cooked meals and their original product, rich ice cream.

My delivery man (the company calls them Customer Service Managers), Brian, is wonderful, very knowledgeable, helpful but not pushy. If you are always home, like me, the delivery fee is only $1; they offer other delivery options also.

Their site is really well laid out, showing nutrition info, preparation methods, customer reviews, etc.  I rely on the reviews when I am shopping, buying those items that have a 4 or 5 rating.  I do have my favorites, which can be flagged, but with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can shop to your heart's content with no fear of losing.

When you visit their site, be sure to click on the "hot deals" and "specials" sections; they offer some good discounts.

Chocolate, My Lifelong Friend

I love GOOD chocolate, especially dark chocolate.  I have discovered a great company, Dan's Chocolates, that not only donates to a charity when you make a purchase, but has also taken measures to help protect the environment.

They offer boxes of candy with lids highlighting occasions, hobbies, professions, etc.  If you want something more economical, consider buying the bulk truffles.  My favorite selection is the razz matazz.

If you have time when you're at the site, click on "social responsibility" to see why I have added this company to my list of favorites.  Promise you won't regret giving them a try.

A Day With Laura And Erin

Many years ago, I traveled down to Bloomington, IN to witness one of my daughters testing for her black belt in Taekwondo.   In previous years, I had always seen her as an appendage of me; but now, sitting on the sidelines, I saw her being greeted by friends I had never met.  I suddenly had the thought that one day, at my funeral, people attending would gather to comfort my daughter and probably would not even know me.  This was not a thought filled with sadness, rather a serene feeling that all was as it should be.  When you parent a child, you are preparing them for independence, for the opportunity to expand their horizons far beyond yours.

This brings me to yesterday when that same daughter, Laura, came to visit.  She was accompanied by her friend, Erin.  I was somewhat uneasy because, years earlier, I had seen a picture of Erin taken when Laura visited her in Spain ( yes, Laura's horizons have stretched far beyond mine, my farthest trip being one to Hawaii.)  Well, I have formed the habit of trying to discern a person's character by studying their picture and I had declared to Laura that Erin had a warm and open face and that I liked her and felt she would be a fine friend.  Now, at our first meeting, I was about to discover just how accurate my judgment was.  I am happy to announce that I was right on.

As I sat in the car and watched them, in the distance, study and critique the merits of a birdbath intended for placement in Laura's garden, I saw, once again, my little girl had indeed made her own circle of friends.  What a blessing to her and a comfort to me!  Throughout the day, the two of them included me in their banter and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it (my chocomania ice cream cone, purchased at Oink's Dutch Treat, didn't hurt either.)   

My Daughter Made Me Do It

...And frankly, I'm getting sick of her making fun of me on her blog. (And I've had it up to here with hearing how cute and sweet her friend Erin's mom is, too.)

Okay, that's not true, but my daughter is typing this for me and refuses to add a smiley face and for the sake of humor I have to just let it be what it is, for now, until I kick her out.

Now, where was I?

...daughter and mother stare at each other...

"She does have a really mean sense of humor", daughter hears mother say to said friend Erin.

...sitting...waiting...waiting...

"I'm glad you're both enjoying this."

"Careful what you say. She's going to type everything."

Starting a blog was the last thing on my mind. My daughter is typing this post and helping fill out my profile. Once she gets this set up, I'll be typing with one hand and completely on my own. Wish me luck!