always be Knolling...

A newish sort of word, used (and I think coined) by Tom Sachs in his 'Working to Code'  film made by the Neistat Brothers,  Knolling is the process of arranging like objects in parallel or 90 degree angles as a method of organization.
The film, 'Working to Code' is a lengthy 21 minutes, that will keep you smiling the whole way through- a glimpse into other folks personal space- including the space between their ears is always filled with awe and wonderment.
I can't help thinking, knolling is the slightly OCD cousin to what I (the Mom) do everyday- I need to coin a word here... There should be a film made called "Living in This House to Code" (for kids and some spouses too...) involving precise instructions on how to pick up after yourself in the kitchen, bathroom and your own room- then specifically how to throughly clean all of these spaces by yourself. Or even a film called "Afterschool"- (I can dream, can't I) I think you can imagine what it might include- specifics on homework, snacking, practicing instruments, friends, facebook, sport practice. I could then happily cancel my weekly, parental, motivational lecture series, short yoga breathing sessions and eye rolling practice and just set all the cherubs/hooligans down to re-watch the film whenever they conveniently forget what comes next.

Speaking of youngsters... F, my second oldest turns 13 today. Two teens in the house- it's funny and scary how fast time moves, the older you get. We're lucky to have such a amazing fella- full of energy- as you can see here, (Grandma Jan and Grandpa Owen can appreciate this picture) smart as a whip and funny too. Happy Birthday dude!
Looking forward to a long weekend in St. George, watching the birthday boy play soccer and relaxing too. Have a great President's Day weekend.

Sundance 2011

I honor of the Sundance Film Festival 2011 starting today, I'm going to enthusiastically recommend a film from last year's festival- no need to show up in Park City for the next 10 days- just add it to your Netflix queue. I just got around to seeing, sorry to be so not cutting edge. Exit Thru The Gift Shop, recommended by my sis and evidently seen by Steve O at the film festival last year. Not surprisingly, I wasn't paying attention and missed his rave review (with four young hooligans/cherubs running the show around here, I miss lots of things).
Film Synopsis: The story of how an eccentric French shop keeper and amateur film maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner with spectacular results. Billed as 'the world's first street art disaster movie' the film contains exclusive footage of Banksy, Shephard Fairey, Invader and many of the world's most infamous graffiti artists at work.

I did catch this and other Banksy moments on the walls of Park City last year though- and now it's time once again to stroll Main Street- ahhh- Film Festival week, eavesdrop on what could be great "Fake Conversation" iPhone app material and glean winter fashion inspiration from the Hollywood set, quite simply- wear black.

It's Kind of a Funny Story

I caught Fresh Air this afternoon on NPR as I was driving down Provo Canyon for the one millionth time this fall as we try and get all of our belongings from Point A to Point B. Zac Galifianakis was the guest today, promoting his new movie It's Kind of a Funny Story, and talking about all being funny and whatnot. Good interview, I always enjoy Fresh Air- but don't catch it often enough. I'm putting this movie on my post-moving list-of-things to do, if I can handle one of the characters being named Noelle. I don't have to share my name very often, it's always a bit weird for me. When I was a kid I used to turn bright red and crawl under the pew when "The First Noel" was sang in church. The 'other Noelle' in high school was a teacher's pet/know-it-all- I think that's what ruined it for me.
 If you haven't seen his other movie The Hangover, I recommend it, it's funnier than you would think.

real or fake? or does it really matter

I guess this film, Catfish played at Sundance last year, I missed it, another reason to feel giddy about moving to Midway- only 10 minutes or so from Park City. Anyway, if Catfish comes back to Utah, (it opens in selected cities tomorrow, Sept 24th) and I really hope it does, I will be there. I know not much else but what the trailer gives you, but it looks intriguing and I enjoy the raw filmmaking style. I just hope I doesn't end too freaky, like The Blair Witch Project and continue to give me the heeby geebies every time I go camping when it's been years since I saw that film. Catfish might make me want to what? cancel my facebook account? I hope that's all, if you know... don't tell!


Steve O saw this film about Joaquin Phoenix, I'm Still Here, last week and can't stop talking about it. Apparently tons of controversy now surround it- is it real or fake? Word is, it doesn't matter- Joaquin is jacked up. Either way, I hope I can get around to seeing it while it's in SLC, if I can stand looking at that hot mess hairdo for 120 minutes.

Gentleman Broncos

I finally saw Gentleman Broncos, an here is how it went- the first time I smiled frequently, lol here and there and generally enjoyed the extreme wackiness, the perfect movie for 10 year old boys and anyone else who find poo-poo pee-pee, throw-up then make out jokes hilarious (I guess that's me).
The second time (and I've only seen it twice so far) around much funnier, I laughed out loud the whole way through. I'm thinking this movie is only getting funnier the more you watch. I feel same way about Napoleon Dynamite.
Here's the deal- you have to buy the movie, not rent it. This is because the Extras aren't on the rental version- and the Behind-the-Scenes Extras are an integral part of the entertainment.

By far, my favorite part of the entire DVD is the part in the Behind-the-Scenes when the Behind-the-Scenes camera isn't on the action, it's on Jared Hess, the director, and all of the crew sitting around him. They are listening to character Judith Purvis tell her son Benjamin about her new line of lingerie 'Decent Beginnings'. The design names include, "...church organ...drowned butterfly...simply cinnamon...righteous do..." as the names are read off by the actors Jared and crew start cracking up, barely containing their giggles until someone yells "cut" and they erupt in laughter. Tears in my eyes funny.

Oh, and watching Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords play the arrogantly nerdy science fiction author Dr. Ronald Chevalier (sporting a rockin' wardrobe) is a mega bonus.

an admission of guilt- fangs or fur?

I must admit, I will be seeing New Moon tonight at midnight- a little extra activity tacked onto book group tonight. But at least I'm not waiting in line overnight to be one of the first to sample a burger, shake and fries at the new In n' Out Burger in Orem. I mean Really!? The things some people will do...

science fiction and fantasy

Been waiting for this movie- it comes out October 30th. Until then, enjoy Ronald Chevalier in this super funny trailer.

what I'm lovin' this week

Heartlands is a fabulous movie, it reminded me a bit of Billy Elliot (perhaps because it's British and quirky)- kind of slow, beautiful scenery- well worth a watch.
Everything in the Athleta catalog is darling, sporty gal wear- but in a good way. I generally look through a catalog then chuck it in the recycle bin, but this one I keep peeking back through.
I'm glad that Steve O and I both have a crush on Lance. All this week he's been iChatting me pictures of the man. He found Elizabeth Kruetz's website and we are both in love with her still photography skills. Browse her site and be amazed.
As I strive to make the most of my 90 days on the P90X program- I have been filling the hungry moments with a cup of tea- and been throughly enjoying it.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Slumdog Millionaire

I was so happy to see Slumdog Millionaire nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture. After hearing quite a but of buzz about this film, I finally made the trek to the big city of Salt Lake a few nights ago and saw it at the Broadway with my ladies. It's an amazing film- not always easy to watch, it leaves you squirming in your seat from time to time (Stephanie took a break- went for a walk, covered her eyes a lot) but well worth the journey it takes you on... and a happy ending, who doesn't like that?
I must admit the only other Best Picture nominee I've seen is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- but it doesn't even touch Slumdog Millionaire. I guess I better get a few more nights out planned- I really want to see Milk, Frost/Nixon, The Reader, and Revolutionary Road. I might have to head to SLC again to catch these films, not a very good selection in Utah County most of the time.
On that note- don't forget about the BYU International Cinema, the very best independent, classic selection of films- playing on a big screen- in the state perhaps. There are 3 films showing per week through the end of the semester in April. I haven't been in a long time- in college we used to go every week... but I've got the schedule posted this winter and I'm planning it in. Best of all, it's free.

a few cinematic gems

I've been doing a ton of sewing and crafting even though the Beehive Bazaar has wrapped up. Been watching a lot of movies whilst spending long hours in my sewing room making those pesky handmade Christmas presents- can't post pictures of the goods just yet...
The Station Agent came up in my Netflix queue and I really, really liked it. It's just a simple slice of life film, slow and fairly uncomplicated. On of those films you find yourself looking back at and smiling. I reminded me a tad bit of Garden State- another film I love.





Tristan and Isolde rates up there with Pride and Prejudice for me, I need to own it I love it so much.

a night out

The ladies of Book Group went to see Twilight Saturday night. Melinda, Book Group member who picked the book a few summers ago wasn't with us- she had gone on Thursday, the opening night (we missed you Melinda!)
It was a much needed (and anticipated) night out in the middle of craft season. I enjoyed every single moment- sitting completely still, not multi-tasking, tummy full of Bajio, no one hanging on/complaining to me.
I guess I'm pretty easy to please. Of course I could nit-pick or complain about bits here and there that didn't match up to the images in my head- but I won't. I loved the film, through and through- a few parts made me giggle, but for the most part it made me feel 18 again and helped me escape mundane reality for a couple of delicious hours.
It was great to be with all my ladies, our Book Group has been going strong for ten years now. All the gals are so uniquely fabulous and inspiring to me. As life gets busier and our kids grow up, we have spread out geographically making it increasingly difficult to get together regularly. So, no matter is going on in my life, I always look forward to Book Group every month- spending a few minutes discussing a book, but mostly, catching up with all my friends and life's goings on.

the danish poet

This short film will make you smile, it's a great story with wonderful animation.

in memorandum

Ivan, the cat has gone to kitty heaven. She was 13. She died in her sleep on Saturday. I must say I've been fine until I started writing this, now I'm crying. It just that she's been in our family most of our married life, and although she was a little stinker and would just as easily bite you as start to purr if you tried to pet her, we still loved her. We are happy she's reunited in dog/cat heaven with Enzo (the Siberian Husky, pictured above), her best friend most of her life who has been gone 3 years now. We will miss you Ivan, you little pill.
These pictures are from before we had children, once children are born you stop taking pictures of your pets, unless they are in the picture with the kids. Since the kids were all scared to pick Ivan up and would only chance the occasional petting, I couldn't find any recent pictures. Or maybe if we didn't have so many (thousands) pictures these days I could have hunted one down. I guess it's all good, you get the idea and she was looking good, (no weird aged kitty problems) until she finally shuffled off her mortal coil.



This whole thing has made me think about Rubin and Ed. Super wacky, you gotta love Crispin Glover in this cult classic.

ladies night

Saturday night just the girls went to to see Annie at Kingsbury Hall, part of the Broadway on Tour series. It's such a perfect musical for kids. My 8 year old was very impressed when 'Sandy'- the real live dog ran out onto stage. I have seen the movie ohh maybe 100 times over the years- we used to sing "It's a Hard Knock Life" when we did our chores as children (I'm sure my Mom loved that.)
My kids have only seen the movie a few times- apparently too 'old school' for their generation... (whatever) and we even have it on DVD... Anyway, live on the stage we all enjoyed ourselves, how can you not- stage performances are always such a treat.
I think Wicked is coming to SLC soon...

how I spent my princess weekend

My lovely spouse sent me to So Cal this past weekend for some much needed rest and relaxation at the beach house with two of my favorite people- his Mom and Dad (also visiting- gregarious nephew Chris and his friend Porsha). The weather was fairly cooperative, and a few days away from real life were luxurious.

Highlights from the weekend- this delicious meals at Sarducci's in San Juan Capistrano. Halibut and mashed potatoes with a cilantro lime sauce on one side and a mango something-something extremely fabulous sauce on the other side, and some mango salsa in the middle. Wow.

I wanted to sit on my butt as much as possible, and I did. I read plenty (Sarah's Quilt-sequel to These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner) and Twilight (a treat even the second time) and saw lots of movies. Here is the movie list:
There Will be Blood- based on the book 'Oil' by Upton Sinclair. A powerful long movie, Daniel Day Lewis (dreamy in my book) definitely deserved an Oscar for this performance. I was glad to be sitting next to my father-in-law who did some lawyering in the 60's in California concerning the oil companies and gave me some extra insight as we watched.
In Bruges- I was on my way to see The Counterfeiters and went to the wrong theater, so I ended up seeing this one. Interesting, wacky, bloody- but entertaining.
Diving Bell and the Butterfly- I really liked this film. Directed by Julian Schnabel- it is an amazing true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a man in his early 40's who suffers from a stroke and winds up completely paralyzed (locked-in syndrome), able only to blink his one eye to communicate from his perfectly intact brain. Shot from all sorts of crazy angles you really feel as if you can begin to comprehend what he is going through. He writes a book through blinking his eye at the correct letter for a therapist. Amazing story and film.
Be Kind Rewind- By Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Science of Sleep) A double treat- Gondry's creatively brilliant filmmaking and Jack Black's always lovable acting. I enjoyed every minute of it.

best of fest

It's always a treat to go to a Best of Fest screening after the film festival is over. Last night a bunch of us went up to Sundance to watch the World Cinema Jury Prize winning film, The King of Ping Pong. It's a Swedish film about a large, fat sixteen year old boy dealing with the troubles of youth- a broken home, bullies, girls etc. Slow at times, and occasionally leaving you happily musing... "why are foreign films so foreign?" I enjoyed listening to Swedish, watching the desolate Nordic landscape (I stayed bundled in my coat throughout the whole movie) the universal awkwardness of adolescence. All the characters from the chubby 'warm-blooded' mother to the prim and proper explicit scene sketching girlfriend -were endearing in one way or another. Overall, I more or less came to appreciate this film and great wintry night out. Thanks Wendy, kind ticket giver.

a night out

Wow, I finally left the house other than to go to the grocery story or to drop kids off at one lesson or another. It felt good to get out into the freezing cold world again, and work on my social skills for an evening, although I am definitely not anywhere near done hibernating.
My ladies took me out for my birthday- we went up to Park City, meandered around the Sundance Film Festival, dined at El Chubasco, and made fellow diners jealous when we revealed, then enjoyed my scrumptious 'Stephanie-made' chocolate cake.
We were way too disorganized to get into any films, oh well... I think we'll try and make it to a screening or two of the winning films on Monday, the day after the festival finishes, a local bonus. Thanks ladies for all the fabulous gifts, you guys always treat me right!

holiday weekend

It has been a most relaxing weekend. We did some skiing, indoor soccer, making and decorating loads of sugar cookies, and the clever little children (when they weren't working away on cookies) occupied themselves playing legos for almost two days straight...I love it when they all play happily and peacefully together and leave me in peace to watch 5 hour movies.
I finally watched the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth. I gotta tell you- it's still not my favorite. I'll tell you why: It's the two finals scenes in the Kiera Knightley version that I love so much. The scene where Mr. Darcy (I know, I know- the actor has a name, but I don't want to know it- he's Mr. Darcy to me) is walking across the misty field in the early dawn hours is so beautiful, and the final scene where they are together as man and wife and he's calling her Mrs. Darcy... ahhh. I suppose I'm just a silly and hopeless romantic but, I was so disappointed when the movie ended with just a kiss in the carriage. And so folks, I'm willing to call it a satisfactory film. I may have to watch the A&E version a few more times to truly love and appreciate it. And yes, Colin Firth did get more dreamy as the film progressed.
Embarassed, I admit- I'm going about things completely out of order. I am just now reading Pride and Prejudice for the first time. I guess I soon will find out how adapted both movies are- and the book's ending... that's the ending that really matters right?

beautiful film week- friday

I've saved the best for last. My absolute favorite, most beautiful film ever is Pride and Prejudice. I love the newest version, but I must admit I haven't seen the Colin Firth version. I've been reluctant to watch it because I don't find Colin Firth very dreamy. But, I think in celebration of my birthday today I think I'll curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate and give it a try.


I can't finish up the week without mentioning a documentary or two. Devil's Playground is a thought provoking documentary that follows a handful of Amish teens as they go through the adolescent rite of passage called 'rumspringa'. Before I saw this movie I had no idea that this rite of passage took place in the Amish faith. I found this movie very interesting, insightful and thank goodness I never have to be a teenager again. It is kind of funny to watch the kids in their traditional Amish garb drinking and smoking it up.

Other noteworthy documentaries:
God Grew Tired of Us
Born Into Brothels
NY Doll

beautiful film week-thursday

My pick today is A Town Like Alice. It is an Australian mini-series from 1981, based on a book of the same name by Nevil Shute. I cannot say enough about this 5 hour masterpiece, beautiful, touching, romantic- a truly brilliant story. The silly thing is I don't think it is available on DVD- only VHS, occasionally it plays on TV, that is how I caught it the first time (on a tip from my sister-in-law). I think your best bet getting your hands on a copy might be your local library. Whatever it takes to find it... it's worth it.

Here are a few beautiful but disturbing film suggestions. I was moved and haunted by both of these films.
Munich
City of God