Movie Review: I'm Not There and Into the Wild

Well this one was interesting to say the least! I'm Not There is a look into the life and times of American icon Bob Dylan and this movie really took a journey. Several big name actors and actresses portrayed Mr. Dylan in the many roles that his real life character took on. I wish I knew more about him and his life because it really would have made the film more coherent for me personally. What little I did/do know of him and his life/music made it interesting, but I was slightly lost at other times. Overall it is an artsy film that I think is much more appreciated by those that are more informed. I now have some research to do so I can put it all together!

Another movie that I failed to mention when I saw it is Into the Wild. This was a beautiful movie directed by Sean Penn, whom I thought was in it as well, until I saw it. It is based on a true story that chronicles the journey of a recent college grad trying to find himself. This young adventurer leaves his conventional life of fortune and seeks one of less "worldly" prosperity on the road. His adventure leads him to Alaska where he learns how to survive in the wild and discovers an important lesson about life. WARNING: This movie is very intense and will leave you thinking. I would like to read the book that it is based on by Jon Krakauer of the same name. I have heard that the movie follows very closely to the book.

Giving Thanks

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving everyone! I wish I could have been in Texas for the occasion but I did spend a nice day with the little bit of family and friends that are out here. We started the day with good intentions to walk in the Run to Feed the Hungry charity event to support the local food banks. However, we didn't quite make it due to the amount of food that we were preparing for the hungry walkers/runners to stop by after the event. We served brunch at my cousins house for those that wanted to stop by and share part of their day before heading other places. The walk is a pretty big deal here in Sac., I think they said there were 20,000+ people that participated this year. There is a 5K and 10K course that you may run or walk and it goes for a great cause to help those that may not have food and family to spend Thanksgiving with. My cousin had 20+ people over afterward which made for a nice mid-afternoon. We then went over to my cousins husbands moms house (did you get that?) for a traditional Thanksgiving feast of turkey and stuffing/dressing and sweet potatoes, etc. I am so grateful that they included me in with their crowd. We had a nice evening there with lots of good food. I laughed with Amanda that she and I are the only ones that don't worry about gaining weight at this time because we don't eat that much, but this year I did make a little bit larger plate than normal! Cari made Granny's dressing so I had some of home with me and Stu fried a turkey which turned out really awesome! With so much to be thankful for I didn't have much time to miss being 2,000 miles from home!

In other news our heater gave out yesterday just in time for the colder weather to roll in! I am thankful it isn't any colder than it is but it still is quite chilly without the main heater going. We are surviving though with space heaters and layers until the handy man can come Mon. to take a look. I have all my blankets wrapped around me in the mean time! :)

Going Green

Today we had an interesting sermon at church titled "Brief Statement of Faith - Green Theology." It was from the book of Genesis 2:4-15 and basically gave a new perspective on the Green Movement that is going on around the world. The general idea was that God gave us this garden (the earth) that we are to tend and take care of. He made us stewards of what He has provided. It was really an inspiring sermon and afterwards they passed out new flourescent light bulbs for all the congregation to go and put into action these words. It is a message that I'm sure many have heard over and over again, but sometimes hearing it at church stirs up a new commitment, so I am glad to hear it put this way. I have been aware of the Green Movement for awhile now and try my best to incorporate the "green" lifestyle as I can. Every little bit helps!