Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Recently Reading and Recently Watched Update

I thought I would make mention of my list of recent readings and viewings. I updated it and thought I would say a few words about them.

First, reading-wise. I am in Moby Dick and digging it. I've read about 22 chapters and still have over 100 to go. So far so very good.

Second, the movies. I haven't said much about them and still won't here, (to protect the innocent) but here are a few words about what I have seen since about March or so. I'd be more than happy to discuss further with any of you.

Prince Caspian - I went in pretty confident that I would like it based on my experience with the first and the fact that it was the same director and so on; however, I was stunned at how much I really enjoyed it.

Raiders of the Lost Ark - still great - though some stuff is pretty funny

Nacho Libre - I simply LOVE this movie

A League of Their Own - surprisingly good sports movie, I was on the edge of my seat - not knowing who would win, too much Rosie, but I guess there is usually too much Rosie

I Am Legend (2X) - Trista wanted to watch it so I watched it a second time, overall it was not as good the second time, but the stuff I love about the beginning of the movie I still loved - the lonely, seemingly only human left in the city kinda thing

Vacancy - OK

To Kill A Mockingbird - EXCELLENT

Macbeth - I ended up seeing the Polanski version about three times, becoming obsessed, also saw an animated version

Blood Diamond - pretty good

Beowulf - disappointing for the most part

Live Free or Die Hard - what you'd expect

The Simpson's Movie - better than I had hoped for

WHAT DO I FEEL LIKE WATCHING

I kinda want to mine some ole Gregory Peck movies - maybe I'll tire of him quickly, but that's what I'm feeling at the moment - oh and likely another viewing of FOTR, possibly

Monday, May 5, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOLLY!


My Little Girl is Nine

She has been a gift everyday. A continual reminder to me that fate, destiny, and a power from beyond are actively at work in my life. Had my life brought me to others whom I may have mated with and perhaps produced other children, I likely would even have loved such children.

But in no way can I imagine a life without the entrance by Molly.

The person she is and continues to become is so richly unique, how can my reaction to one of her expressions simply be a random function of our species, without some design, some wonderful, inventive design from a source of special goodness, seemingly without reason, but full of purpose?

That “it was meant to be,” is less an applicable statement and more a state of being. I love her from a place of joy, base, basic, up high, as I imagine birds love soaring around the clouds, and I love her profoundly from the depths of my heart, dissipated and pumping across a wide sea. And where these two meet, an endless sunrise.

Time passes cruelly by.

On the eve of the Indiana primaries we supped across the street from Obama’s Terre Haute headquarters. I thought about something we all have heard. “A future for our children.” It has been said for generations, dulling into an excuse, a lofty notion of “down the line” – some vague, but noble reference. Our parents. Us. And now our children. Not a “What future,” could Obama actually supply a “When” future or will the elevated speak fade even for him after the election. That is what I wonder. “The future of our children” is one of the most often used marketing techniques utilized by politicians. Its very vagueness assures the saving of face. Children’s children. Oh. Phone calls. Obama people at the door. I am very encouraged, but await a “when” with hopefully the “win.”

It’ll be tough here because of our popular senator’s support of Hilary.

Because of the way parents feel about their children, it becomes an area of exploitation. Work ‘em then. Get the vote. The future for our children really, is that. The future of children when they are of voting age – future voters to ensure and to continue to support particular political parties and families. Secure the vote. Not the future of children AS children. That is tomorrow. Unless there is a cyclone, a viral outbreak, or a car bomb.

So Molly is asleep now. Dreaming. I kissed her goodnight. She knows the name Obama, but not what it means for tomorrow. I deeply wish her happiness on Tuesday.