Happy Birthday, America!
I needed reminding of just what exactly a patriot is. Merriam-Webster’s definition is: “One who loves his or her country.” Well, then that makes me a Patriot and I say that proudly, and my head held very high.
It’s Springtime, Time for Hydrangeas!
If I had to pick just one flower to grow, hydrangeas would be that one flower. They are so incredibly beautiful and look just like the big, giant, paper flowers we used to make in crafts classes when I was a little girl. A lot of folks dry them out then keep them for awhile (not too long, though) and they look just as beautiful in a galvanized tin vase or the like.
If you take an emptied, cleaned coffee can, preferably the larger sized one, (please note: if you have the older style coffee cans that required a can opener, then sand down the inside lid to prevent injury) and buy some buttercup yellow, or antique white paint, and a sponge-type paintbrush then you can paint the can to create a gorgeous vase for your front or back porch. You can bring it inside, too. Or, just use a wide-mouthed mason jar such. Keep it simple.
I’m blessed to be able to plant some of theses beauties this year. My eye is on one section of our backyard and that’s where they’re going in, in about two weeks. Once they begin growing and blooming, I’ll keep you posted.
Have a great week!
How Do I Love Thee?
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, — I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning sure knew how to write a love poem. Its stood the test of time and is one of the most, absolute most, romantic poems you could recite to your loved one especially on St. Valentine’s Day.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Christmas Movies
There are so many to choose from. Here’s our yearly “Must-See” list of movies, not cartoons:
- The Ref starring Denis Leary: Even if you’re not a fan of his TV show, this movie helped place him on the map as an actor. He is a burglar who fumbles the job then takes a couple (Kevin Spacey and Judi Davis) hostage. This is no ordinary couple, these folks argue and want to divorce. It’s hilarious and has Christmas cheer.
- The Muppet’s Christmas Carol: No matter what age you are, casting Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchet was a great idea. A true family movie.
- The Family Stone: Oh boy! This is the newest on our list. It stars Sarah Jessica-Parker, Diane Keaton, Clare Daines, etc., etc., etc., A full range of emotions here. A man brings his girlfriend (Sarah) home for the holidays and the family doesn’t like her - you may not either. But then you feel sorry for her, then root for her. All goes wrong, but in a “right” way and the end will have you crying and laughing. Definitely watch this one.
- A Christmas Carol starring Patrick Stewart: Hands down, the best version done. Stewart’s deep-voiced accent is just what Scrooge would sound like. Nobody else does the miser like him.
- Diva’s Christmas Carol: Ebenezer done by way of Vanessa Williams as a rich, brat, singer. Kinda cheesy, but worth the 90 minutes.
- The Holiday: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. Cameron and Kate switch houses (and countries) for 2 weeks during the holidays. Just the cast alone should tell you how good this movie is. All’s well that ends well.
- A Christmas Story: Commercial-free, of course. I love Ralph’s little brother Randy. He’s a hoot.
- Christmas Every Day: Usually the ABC Family channel plays this one. It stars Robert Hays, but the focus is on his son who is having a “groundhog-day” like Christmas - he’s reliving Christmas day over and over and over, until he gets it right. Very humbling.
- Love Actually: The ultimate romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kiera Knightley and Rowan Atkinson. I can’t explain this one, you’ll have to watch it for yourself and see.
Enjoy the movies and your Christmas!