Some Gratitude There

 

That Was a Long Week

  "Instead of a sign that says: 'Do not disturb' I need one that says: 'Already disturbed, proceed with caution.'" (Author Unknown)

 

 Hello, my lovely friends!

    Oh my goodness, friends, last week was officially one of the longest, most exhausting weeks I have had in what feels like forever. It was just one of those times where our emotions were riding a total rollercoaster, bouncing all over the place with so many different things happening at once. On top of the emotional weight, our calendar was absolutely packed, and it felt like we were out and running around pretty much every single day.

By the time the chaos finally slowed down, we managed to carve out two whole days just to stay home—and let me tell you, we did absolutely nothing. We were both so incredibly drained and bone-tired from everything that our only mission was to rest and recharge. It is so important to listen to your body when it tells you to stop, so we happily embraced the cozy downtime to reset.

    We have some sad news in our family. My Uncle Fritz, who was married to my dad’s sister, Nancy, passed away last Sunday. While we knew this day was approaching after his years-long battle with cancer and his later struggle with dementia, it’s still never easy to say goodbye. By the end, the dementia had taken such a hold that he no longer recognized anyone, including my sweet aunt, but we take comfort in knowing he went peacefully, surrounded by the love of his kids and grandkids.

Right now, the family is waiting to finalize the details for his services. My sister and BIL are already planning to fly out to join us so we can all support Aunt Nancy and honor Uncle Fritz's memory together. On Monday we went over to my aunt’s house to spend some time with her.

    Then on Tuesday, my mom had an appointment with the infectious disease doctor, and wow,what an absolute world of difference! My sister was on the phone listening in, too. My mom explained everything she’s been going through and how they just keep making her do test after test. Honestly, this is probably the very first doctor who actually truly heard her. We all asked questions, and she took the time to answer every single one.

She suggested a new MRI since the last one is over two months old. My mom was a little hesitant at first, but she went ahead and made the appointment, and it is already scheduled for this Friday! That is easily the fastest appointment she’s gotten in a long time. The doctor even said she would contact my mom’s other doctor to coordinate getting her shots. My mom is feeling so much better about things now that she finally has a doctor who really has the ball rolling.    

    Wednesday finally gave us a much-needed break from the emotional roller-coaster we’ve been riding lately. We spent the day resting up and recharging, but we also had to get everything ready for Thursday because we were heading right back to the theater! This time, we went to see MJ The Musical again. You might remember that when we first saw it a couple of years ago, we loved it so much that we came right home and bought tickets to see it again the very next week.

This performance was extra special because we managed to snag front-row seats right in the dead center. It was an absolutely incredible show! There was this moments where it felt so surreal, if you closed your eyes, you would swear Michael Jackson himself was right there on stage singing. If you love his music even a little bit, this show is an absolute must-see.

    Oh my goodness, can we talk about how exhausting grocery shopping is? We had to venture out for some much-needed supplies on Friday, and honestly, it just takes absolutely everything out of me. Between navigating the aisles, bagging everything up, hauling it all inside, and finally putting it where it belongs, it's a whole workout. My sweet mom isn't really able to help much with the heavy lifting, so the bulk of the heavy lifting falls on my shoulders, leaving me completely wiped out.

Because the week was such a marathon, yesterday just had to be another much-needed rest day. I did manage to tackle a few little things around the house to keep life moving, but mostly, I just gave myself permission to slow down and recharge the batteries. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body, take a breather, and remind yourself that the chores can wait.

Whew! How’s was your week? 

So glad you could make it. Whether you’re starting your day or winding it down, I hope it’s a great one. Until we cross paths again—take care! 

Top Ten Favorites - Classic Comedies

 "One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don't know." Animal Crackers (1930)

Hello, my lovely friends! 

    Grab your popcorn and get cozy, because we are diving into the ultimate feel-good vault! There is something so magical about classic comedies; they have this timeless ability to sweep away a bad day and remind us that humans have been finding ridiculous things hilarious for decades. Whether you’re a lifelong cinephile or just looking for a reason to giggle, these ten gems are like a warm hug for your funny bone.

We have to start with the absolute chaos that is It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. It is basically the cinematic equivalent of a giant bowl of colorful candy—over-the-top, packed with every star imaginable, and relentlessly fun. If you prefer your humor with a side of British absurdity, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is your go-to. I’m pretty sure it’s a scientific fact that you can’t watch a man pretend to ride a horse while hitting coconut halves together without cracking a smile. It’s silly, smart, and purely iconic.

For those who love a bit of vintage charm, The Awful Truth is the gold standard for screwball romance. Cary Grant and Irene Dunne have the kind of chemistry that makes you wish people still talked in fast-paced, witty banter at the grocery store. Speaking of the classics, we can't forget Safety Last!. Watching Harold Lloyd dangle from that clock tower is still more nerve-wracking (and funny!) than most modern action movies. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes the simplest physical gags are the ones that stick with us the longest.

    If you’re in the mood for some musical mayhem, A Night at the Opera brings the incomparable Marx Brothers into the mix. That stateroom scene? Absolute perfection. And since we’re talking about legends, Mel Brooks deserves a double feature on any list. Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein are masterclasses in satire. Whether it's the Fourth-Wall-breaking chaos of the Old West or the "Puttin' on the Ritz" tap dance with a monster, Brooks knows exactly how to tickle that specific spot where smart meets ridiculous.

Rounding out our marathon of laughs, we have the delightfully dark Arsenic and Old Lace, which proves that even a story about Brewster family secrets can be wholesome in its own twisted way. For a change of pace, Cat Ballou gives us a hilarious Western spoof with a side of catchy music, while The Pink Panther introduces us to the bumbling brilliance of Inspector Clouseau. Watching Peter Sellers trip over his own dignity is a masterclass in comedy. These films aren't just movies; they're invitations to let go and just enjoy the ride.         

Top Ten Favorites - Classic Comedies
1. It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad,, Mad World (1963)
2. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
3. The Awful Truth (1937)
4. Safety Last! (1923)
5. A Night at the Opera (1935)
6. Blazing Saddles (1974)
7. Arsenic and Old Lace (1954)
8. Young Frankenstein (1974)
9. Cat Ballou (1965)
10. The Pink Panther (1963)

It was a treat having you stop by! Whatever the sun or moon is doing in your neck of the woods, I hope it’s treating you well. Until our next encounter... Ciao for now!

Learn to Let Go

 

Happy Mother's Day!!!

 

Top Ten Favorites - Food-themed Movies

“If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff.” – Remy (Patton Oswalt) in “Ratatouille” (2007)

Hello, my lovely friends! 

    I know I posted this last week, but no one commented and I wasn't sure if you all say it. So here it is again. 

You know the drill—it’s Friday, which means it’s time for another top ten list! Today, I’m feeling particularly hungry for some cinematic inspiration, so I’m diving into my top ten favorite food movies. Honestly, I absolutely love a good cooking movie. There is just something so cozy about watching a story unfold in a busy kitchen; it almost always makes me want to pull out a few of my favorite vintage cookbooks, get into the kitchen, and start planning some delicious meals for the coming week. Does anyone else get that urge, or is it just me?

    There is something truly magical about the way a great movie can make your stomach rumble and your heart soar all at the same time. Whether you’re looking for some culinary inspiration or just want to cozy up with a film that celebrates the sheer joy of a good meal, food-themed movies are like a warm hug for your soul. If you’re a fellow foodie who loves a good story served with a side of something delicious, I’ve put together a list of my absolute top ten favorites that I think you’re going to adore.

Kicking things off at number one is Julie & Julia, which is basically the gold standard for food films. It’s impossible not to love the parallel stories of Julia Child’s culinary journey in Paris and Julie Powell’s quest to cook every recipe in Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It’s equal parts funny, sweet, and inspiring. Coming in second is Chef, a movie that feels like a pure love letter to the industry. Following a professional chef who quits his job to start a food truck with his son is the ultimate feel-good experience, plus, those scenes of him making Cubanos will have you running to the kitchen immediately!

Third on my list is Tortilla Soup, a beautifully warm movie about a retired chef and his three daughters that proves how food is the glue that holds families together. Right behind it is Chocolat, which is just as lush and enchanting as it sounds. Watching Juliette Binoche transform a small French village with her magical chocolate shop is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. For something with a bit more of an edge, The Menu takes the fifth spot. It’s a wild, satirical, and dark ride through the world of fine dining that will definitely change the way you look at a tasting menu, but it’s just so captivating you won't be able to look away.

If you love passion, drama, and some seriously incredible Italian cooking, Big Night is a must-watch. It captures the struggle and the glory of running a restaurant so perfectly, and that final breakfast scene is pure cinema gold. At number seven, we have the visually stunning and deeply emotional Like Water for Chocolate. It’s a gorgeous story about love, tradition, and how emotions can actually manifest through the food we prepare. It’s truly a classic for a reason.

Of course, no food movie list would be complete without Ratatouille. Even if it is animated, the way it portrays the artistic spirit of cooking is genuinely touching, and it remains one of the most charming films ever made about following your dreams. Then there’s The Hundred-Foot Journey, a delightful clash of cultures and flavors between an Indian family and a Michelin-starred French chef. It is vibrant, heartwarming, and celebrates how different culinary traditions can blend together in the most beautiful ways. Finally, rounding out the top ten is the masterpiece Eat Drink Man Woman. It’s a wonderful look at tradition, change, and the ritual of the family dinner that has stayed with me for years. Grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and enjoy these delicious cinematic treats!

Top Ten Favorites - Food-themed Movies
1. Julie & Julia (2009)
2. Chef (2014)
3. Tortilla Soup (2001)
4. Chocolat (2000)
5. The Menu (2022)
6. Big Night (1996)
7. Like Water For Chocolate (1992)
8. Ratatouille (2007)
9. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
10. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)  

It was a treat having you stop by! Whatever the sun or moon is doing in your neck of the woods, I hope it’s treating you well. Until our next encounter... Ciao for now!

 

It Did What Here???

"What's done is done. What's gone is gone. One of life's lessons is always moving on. It's okay to look back to see how far you've come but keep moving forward." (Roy T. Bennett)

Hello, my lovely friends! 

 

     Remember that endless, dusty winter where the snow basically ghosted us? Well, Mother Nature finally checked her calendar and decided to stage a massive 24-hour comeback! Since we’re already deep into spring, she didn't bring that fluffy powder; instead, we got the "heart attack" special—super wet, heavy, and thick enough to sculpt.

Walking outside felt like a bit of a rescue mission. The weight was so intense that trees were practically bowing down, with plenty of branches arching toward the sidewalk and a few unlucky ones snapping off entirely. It was definitely a messy day for the backyard, but honestly, it’s hard to be too upset when you look at how desperately our soil needed the drink.

While we were shaking off the slush down here, the mountains were getting the real VIP treatment. Some spots clocked in a couple of feet of fresh white coating! It’s a late-season miracle for our water levels and a much-needed soak for the earth. After months of dry dirt, I’ll take a few broken branches in exchange for a happy, hydrated landscape.

    It has been so nice to finally have a moment where my mom can just sit back and breathe. Between all her Kaiser appointments and the snow keeping us tucked away at home, she really needed the break. It’s been a lot to manage, and honestly, the downtime was overdue.

    We’re heading in next week to go over her biopsy results since the doctors think there might be something worth a closer look. Who knows, but at this point, she’s mostly just fed up with the whole system. She is officially ready to move on and is planning to change all her doctors and her insurance as soon as the year wraps up. For now, we’re just focusing on staying cozy and taking it one day at a time!

    The stage lights are staying bright for just a little longer! We have two more shows to catch before we can finally kick back—"Hadestown" is up this Saturday, followed by "MJ" next Thursday. It has been a whirlwind of a couple of weeks, and while it’s been a total blast, my feet are definitely ready for a breather.

Once we wrap up these next two performances, we get a much-deserved break until the middle of June. It’ll be the perfect time to recharge the batteries and soak up some quiet moments before the next act begins. I'm looking forward to every second of the upcoming shows, but that upcoming hiatus is going to feel like a standing ovation!

I’m so grateful you spent a bit of your day here with me. I hope the rest of your morning, afternoon, or evening is filled with little moments of joy and a whole lot of cozy.  Take good care of yourself, and I’ll be looking forward to our next chat!

 

You Only Have One Life