Trekking Again

Yes, May came and went and I posted not a single thing. I'm a busy woman.

Remember a few years ago, I mentioned that I saw and enjoyed the "Star Trek" reboot? Yeah, so I just saw the sequel . . .

 

and there are new things to enjoy in this one as well.

 

Thanks for that, J.J.

 

And just because he looks so good in a suit . . .

 

Happy Monday.

Another Lovely Year

Happy birthday, Channing. Thanks for being a lovely distraction in my life when I need it.

Oh, Jason

I've been re-watching "Arrested Development" in anticipation of Season 4 coming out next month. Aren't we all excited?

 

And I've just noticed something.

 

Jason Bateman is kinda hot.

 

I mean, sure, he used to be all

 

But now he's all

 

 

Well done, Jason. Well done.

Good Outnumbers

I was in Boston for the first time 5 years ago. It's a beautiful, friendly city. I'm sickened and saddened by what happened there yesterday and still trying to understand why anyone would want to be as deliberately hurtful as that.

But I'm grateful to know that, as Patton Oswalt pointed out, the good will always outnumber evil. Always.

National Poetry Month - #2

As he is in the news today, and because I'm in the mood for some good love poetry, today I bring you Pablo Neruda.

Sonnet XVII
By Pablo Neruda

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Love, We're Going Home Now
By Pablo Neruda

Love, we're going home now,
Where the vines clamber over the trellis:
Even before you, the summer will arrive,
On its honeysuckle feet, in your bedroom.

Our nomadic kisses wandered over all the world:
Armenia, dollop of disinterred honey:
Ceylon, green dove: and the Yang Tse with its old
Old patience, dividing the day from the night.

And now, dearest, we return, across the crackling sea
Like two blind birds to their wall,
To their nest in a distant spring:

Because love cannot always fly without resting,
Our lives return to the wall, to the rocks of the sea:
Our kisses head back home where they belong.

Bruno

I officially love this song and video. That is all.



Happy Friday.

What Happened?

What happened to all the men? You know, men. Real men. Like those guys from the 60s?

Seriously. What happened?

National Poetry Month - #1

It's that time again (hallelujah!)- National Poetry Month. I am definitely in need of some good words to fill up and soak my winterized soul.

And how appropriate that one of our most celebrated poet's celebrates her birthday this month. So, here's some phenomenal Maya Angelou to start us off.

Phenomenal Woman
By Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

 

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

 

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

 

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

 

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

 

Still I Rise

By Maya Angelou

 

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt   

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

 

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?   

’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells   

Pumping in my living room.

 

Just like moons and like suns,   

With the certainty of tides,   

Just like hopes springing high,   

Still I'll rise.

 

Did you want to see me broken?   

Bowed head and lowered eyes?   

Shoulders falling down like teardrops,   

Weakened by my soulful cries?

 

Does my haughtiness offend you?   

Don't you take it awful hard

’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines   

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

 

You may shoot me with your words,   

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

 

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds   

At the meeting of my thighs?

 

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,   

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

 

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,   

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.   

I rise

I rise   

I rise.

The Same . . . How?

So, what do all these people have in common?

 

 

They're all the same age as me.

I know. Weird, right?

The Wolverine: International Trailer

In anticipation of my upcoming birthday, Hugh Jackman released the trailer for his new Wolverine movie, which, of course, shows his shirtless and ripped torso multiple times.



As always, thanks, Hugh.

Living the life . . . for now

Yep, half-way through the Month of Marie, and I've slacked off on posting. Sorry about that.

And then today, in a completely non-morbid way, I was reminded of my mortality and was inspired to share this.



I hope you're still celebrating. Heaven knows I am. Check out this sweet plant I just bought.

Yeah. I party pretty hard.

 

Let's Start Celebrating

After a long year of waiting, the Month of Marie is back.

 

Yep. It's all about me.

Oscars Review 2013

Oh, Oscars. I just can't keep away. I was tempted to this year with Seth MacFarlane hosting, but I actually think he did a pretty okay job. I can't talk about how upset I am about what's-her-name winning for Best Supporting Actress, but at least she had on a horrible dress. Plus, "Life of Pi" won a few awards, and that made me so happy!

But on to the dresses. I know that's why you're here. Those whom I'm disappointed didn't make the list - Selma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts - how could you let me down? You had such potential. Oh well.

First those in no particular order that I liked before we get to the top 3.

Reese Witherspoon

She picked a great color. And the black detailing on the sides is very flattering. Love the train, love the hair, love the simplicity of the whole look.

 

Sandra Bullock

One of the few gowns with sleeves! Yes, I will always get excited about that. I love black. I love beading. I love Ms. Bullock. Therefore, I love this. {Not sure about the placement of her hair ornament but oh well.}

 

Amy Adams

I'm not going to lie. I wasn't sure about Ms. Adams's dress at first glance. But it definitely grew on me. The fit is fantastic {which is key with strapless gowns in my opininon}. And I love the detailing on the bodice. I just wish the color was a bit brighter.

 

Queen Latifah

One of my repeaters - because she knows how to do it right! I love the white. It just looks so fresh. Plus, the great details of the shoulder beading and the ruffle on the skirt add more interest without making it too fussy.

 

Sally Field

Why do I like this look? Well, for one, she has sleeves. And two, her dress hints at the time period of her character. I love when people do that. The dress is a great color, age-appropriate, and on-trend with the train.

 

Stacy Keibler

I'm not necessarily a fan of Ms. Keibler {I know next to nothing about her}, but I really love her dress. She's one of those tall, in-shape women who look great in full-length, clingy dresses. I like the pattern of the beading, the halter top, and the belt. And, her date wasn't too shabby either.

 

Jennifer Lawrence

Okay, confession. I don't actually love Ms. Lawrence's dress overall. The top sits in a weird spot, and I don't love the shape. But. I do like the quilting{?} on the fabric and the color. And. I love her. Anyone who trips up the stairs to accept an award and then still delivers a humble, heart-felt speech deserves to be recognized.

 

Now, time for my top three favorite dresses of the evening.

 

#3 - Jennifer Hudson

Ms. Hudson appeals to me. I don't know why. I never watched "American Idol" and I never saw "Dreamgirls". Really, I've only ever seen her Weight Watchers commercials. But I usually always love what she's wearing. She's another statuesque lady who looks great in gowns. The beading/pattern {not sure which it is} is different and fun. Also, I personally believe navy is under-utilized on the red carpet. It looks fabulous!

 

#2 - Jessica Chastain

This was another gown that I didn't love right off. But the more I looked at it, the more I fell in love. For one thing, it perfectly complements her complexion and hair. It's hard to tell from this photo, but it has a beaded overlay on top of a copper sheath. Also, I love her hair down and soft. The overall effect is stunning.

 

And my #1?

 



Jennifer Garner

Ms. Garner has done well overall this awards season. And right before I saw Ms. Garner, I had see a bunch of bombs. Then she walked on camera - a vision in plum and ruffles and diamonds. I just love all of it. Every single bit. Really. It's beautiful. I just hope she is in something that gets nominated next year so we can have another look at her all dolled up.

 

And lest we forget the men . . .

 

Samuel L. Jackson

Wearing what I considered to be the most entertaining outfit of the whole night. Thanks, Mr. Jackson.

 

And my kryptonite

 

Hugh Jackman

In a tux. Yes, please.

 

Until next awards season.

Ahh, Perfection

To get your weekend started off right, enjoy the following Honest Trailer.

They Have Better Things to Do

I watched "Dennis the Menace" a bunch when I was in college.
{Why? Because we all did random stuff like that instead of studying. That's why.} And I was reminded last night how much I love that movie, especially this scene.



Joey is just the cutest.