Mother Movies

This weekend was my first mother's day! Last year I was still a mom to be, and despite having a little human rolling around inside me, I had no idea how much my perception would change once that little human was out in the world. To celebrate, I've come up with 4 non-chick-flic mom-centric movies that would make for some good late night viewing once your kids are in bed.

Brave (2011)
OK, maybe you can watch this one with the kids. Brave is one of the few Disney movies where a mother is present and active. In fact now that I think of it, it might be the only Disney movie where a mother is present and active. After accidentally transforming her mother into a bear, feisty Merida must work with her to break the spell before it becomes permanent. If you've ever had a huge fight with your mom you'll be able to relate.

The Tempest (2010)
This adaptation of Shakespeare's last play has Hellen Mirren as the main character Prospera. It's fascinating to see how much the gender swap informs the play's relationships. Her relationship with daughter Miranda transforms from patriarchal to protective. Her reluctance to free Ariel has a hint of empty-nest syndrome. Director Julie Taymor's trademark bells and whistles may put off some movie goers, but the great thing about Shakespeare is that it's all about the performances, which the top of the line cast more than delivers.

Oedipus Wrecks/New York Stories (1989)
Woody Allen's contribution to New York Stories could be considered a nightmare scenario. After a magic trick mishap causes his mother to disappear, Allen breathes a sigh of relief until she reappears in the sky above manhattan, and airs his dirty laundry! A short movie for the time strapped mama that might give you hope for the day your kids will listen to your advice, even if it takes a little magic.

August Osage County (2013)
A portrait of family dysfunction. You've probably never seen so many amazing actors as such unlikable characters. At it's heart, August is a look at finding the strength it takes to rise above such a hostile home life without becoming the person you hate. Definitely not a warm and fuzzy, but darkly funny.

In the Den

We're two months away from my daughter's first birthday! Party planning is underway albeit at a less frenzied pace than you'd expect since we're also in the process of finding a new place to live. We've had the hottest summer and coldest winter on record here and that really exposed the quality of our current apartment and it's lack of insulation. We're probably paying the same amour for gas and electric that you'd pay for a small house!

We're most likely going to have to downsize, which in the end should be a good thing since it will mean more money saved up over all, and a shorter wait till we have enough for our own house.

What's on Amazon

I discovered a cute little series where some really great actors (Jeremy Irons, Derek Jakobi, Joley Richardson) examine some of Shakespeare's plays. It's fun to watch the process these actors go through as they bring Shakespeare's characters to life by looking at the historical context of the plays and also aspects of Shakespeare's life that may have influenced his writing. My favorite moment is at the end of the Richard II when Derek Jakobi comments on his performance by his younger self in a BBC television production.

Hope you all had a great Mother's Day and don't forget your dads next month!

Getting ready for Lent

It's Fat Tuesday! I originally planned on making merry with pączki and gołąbki since it's also Saint Casimir's feast day and being half polish I wanted to delve into my culinary heritage, but because of the forcasted snomageddon I wasn't able to head out to the grocery store and had to peapod it. I'd fault peapod for not having some of the things I needed in stock but really the amount of things that don't make it to my door is about the same as the amount I forget when I go out myself. Only I got to stay home in my toasty 72 degree apartment! I call that a win.

So instead I'm going Italian and making some sausage and linguine with zeppolis for dessert. I'm not exactly sure if zeppolis are specifically a Fat Tuesday staple but they fit the criteria: fried dough and sugar. 

Lent has been regarded as a season of penance and self depravation, but since last year and this year I'm exempt from fasting (pregnant and nursing) I've been using it as an opportunity to do something charitable as a way of thanking God for everything I've been blessed with. 

Last year I donated to locks of love. Anyone who can grow their hair long should do it at least once in their life! The feeling you get from doing something so simple is so incredible. I'll never forget when I was at the post office to drop of my package. The postman noticed the address and my short 'do and said "Aww you cut your hair, that's so sweet." Instant good feeling warm and fuzzies! 

This year I'm back to my regular crochet program, so my goal is to crochet 40 granny squares in 40 days to make a blanket to donate to one of my favorite charities Project Linus. Stash busting, charity, and the opportunity for quiet meditation as I crochet each square, I'd say that's a good recipe for Lenten reflection and soulful decluttering.

What's on Amazon

I finally watched all of Caddyshack straight through. Previously I'd only seen the beginning, end, and a couple parts in the middle. Now I'm really looking forward to the summer! Although I'd only play golf with Rodney Dangerfield. 

In The Den 

I don't know if it's like this with most babies but my daughter got her first cold, three teeth, and started sitting unsupported all within 2 weeks! It's unbelievable!

She also hasn't been able to nap anywhere but in my lap on the boppy or on my shoulder. Although I'm getting pretty good at doing things with one hand and with my iPhone ( like this post), I'm really hoping this is just a phase that'll end soon. I'm trying to keep in mind that before I know it she won't want to be less than 500 feet away from me. 

We're in the second half of her first year so I'm gearing up for her first birthday party, by which I mean getting a Pinterest board started. I've always had a jungle theme in mind, you know like Survivor. Great minds must think alike because Katy Perry stole my idea for her Roar video. 

I'm hoping I can exercise some photoshop muscles and create our own invitations to print. I feel some pressure since this sets a precedent for the rest of my child's birthday parties. It's an opportunity to show off some creativity and make some lovely memories. In other words pictures will be taken so it has to look nice! No pressure!!!