Tree of Life

I just saw the movie, Tree of Life, starring Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain.
I know that there have been many things said about it, but in my honest opinion it is one
of the best films I've seen for a long while. 

It's not really a "story" type of movie to me - more of an "allegory" or an "idea."
I felt awe, wonder, grief, and ultimately gratitude as I was watching.
The creators of this movie are undoubtedly very deep, poetic thinkers, who just
also happen to be very talented nature photographers/film-makers. 
To my eye, this film was like a conversation with nature and life itself.
It is trying to ask some of the ultimate questions - Where do we come from?
Why are we here? Why must there be death? Why must there be life?
There are also some very human questions about family, parenthood, growing up,
forgiveness, guilt, friendship, and oh, so much more.  I could say more on this,
but I think this is enough.  I might not be able to stop.

I'm glad the Cannes Film Festival gave this movie the distinction it received.
Whether or not it was deserving all depends on individual opinion.
Be that as it may, I definitely think it's worth the discussion.

Soul Music - Terry Pratchett

Soul Music is the 16th novel in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.
So far I've read all the ones that came before in correct sequence,
and I don't intend to stop.  I just LOVE this series.  Pratchett is a genius.

My favorite Discworld characters are:
1. Death
2. Librarian
3. Vetinari
4. The Watch
5. Luggage

Soul Music revolves around Music With Rocks In.
My favorite moment of the novel is when
Death asks Susan for a kiss for Grandad.  Aww... how sweet.

UnScene #10

UnScene is a series of short stories I write about the  things I witness around me, or thoughts that I have about life and the world as I know it.  

Hair

One afternoon when I was in the fourth grade, I came upon my arch-enemy asleep upon her armchair in the empty classroom. Her face was nestled into her crossed arms and her long, wavy, perfect hair flowed over her shoulders and down her back. The room, the whole school, the whole world, at that moment, seemed to have shut up and held its breath, waiting for what I was about to do.

I stalked toward her, ever so carefully lifted a thick, silky lock of hair as I pulled out my scissors, and cut – quite close to the scalp. I looked down at the horrible stump at the back of her head and felt sick. I walked out of the classroom to the nearest washroom, and as I leaned over the sink I realized I still held Michelle’s hair in my hand. How unfair that it was so smooth and silky it didn’t even tangle in my grip. I threw it into the wastebasket and threw up my lunch in the toilet.

When I got home, I immediately asked to be taken to the salon for a haircut. I had them cut my hair so short, that people often mistook me for a boy in the days that followed.

And at school that Monday, Michelle had had her hair cut, too. But whereas mine frizzed and stood up randomly like my head was a nest built by a blind bird, Michelle’s hair looked cute and smart. I never felt so ugly as I did then.

Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter

And so it is
Just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me
Most of the time
And so it is
The shorter story
No love, no glory
No hero in her sky

I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes...

And so it is
Just like you said it should be
We'll both forget the breeze
Most of the time
And so it is
The colder water
The blower's daughter
The pupil in denial

I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes off you
I can't take my eyes...

Did I say that I loathe you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?

I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind off you
I can't take my mind...
My mind...my mind...
'Til I find somebody new

Persuasion

I have loved Jane Austen since I was a teen-ager.
I love her stories even more now that I am in my thirties.
Persuasion may not be as popular as the others,
but in this, her last published novel, Austen shows the true
depth and breadth of her ability as a story-teller.
This book will grip you and draw you in with such
subtlety and grace, that you will only realize you've been
led in when you're already silently rooting for the
unfortunate lovers and wondering, trying to anticipate
what will happen next.  It is an excellent depiction of what
happens when one lets others influence or control his/her
decisions.  Moreover, it is a portrait of how social standing
can oftentimes dictate the path that one's life can take -
if you let it, that is. Austen was a genius.
This book is living proof.

James and the Giant Peach

I just finished reading this book.
It's so wonderful.  Readers of any age will love it.
It's all about overcoming hardships without losing
one's optimism, good will, and faith in one's friends -
even if those friends happen to be giant insects.
Fun and adventure all around; as magical as a bag
of enchanted crocodile tongues.