wannabe movie critic

Yep, that seems an apt description for my unsolicited movie criticisms (don't ask me what I thought of Les Mis) and today for two minutes I chatted with one of the greatest movie critics EVER, David Denby from the New Yorker magazine.  He was featured on one of my favorite NPR programs, RadioWest with Doug Fabrizio (ok, love him) to promote his new book, "Do the Movies Have a Future."

I couldn't resist calling in, especially after listening to his thoughts about a current blockbuster (I decided right then and there we were kindred spirits).

They took my call and I not only said hello to Mr. Fabrizio (sigh), I had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Denby (very cool).

Disclaimer:  I NEVER call radio stations, ever.  This was a first, and within a few minutes a text and a couple emails from friends who listened to the program popped up, asking if indeed it was me spouting off about mediocrity at the megaplex.  Oh, yes indeed.  Never one to hold back an opinion when it comes to formulaic, manipulative movies (as explained in this post from last year).

So, here you go, an insightful interview with the brilliant Mr. Denby, and my radio moment (31 minutes into the hour): http://radiowest.kuer.org/post/do-movies-have-future

delightful

My favorite quote from this charming, heartfelt film we saw tonight:

"Everything will be alright in the end, and if it's not alright, it's not the end . . ."

part of the job

I'm talking about sacrificing the one thing I crave, love, adore, and NEED more than practically anything (even more than food), for the sake of my teenager's happiness and well being.

SLEEP.  Yes, I'll sacrifice my time, energy, attention, dessert . . . whatever the kids need at any time of day.  But sleep??  The days of giving up those precious hours of shut eye were over the minute my babies could make it through the night.  Well, forget about it tonight.  Caroline and crew didn't have a ride home from their long anticipated midnight premiere and guess who pitched in to drive them home at 2:30am?  You got it.

So, I figured if I'm going to be up I might as well have some fun myself and grab a ticket to attend my first ever midnight movie since college . . . that is if I can stay awake until the credits roll.

Let the games begin!

why indie films?

Alright, I know I'm a complete movie snob . . . you know, the person behind you trying to stifle laughter while everyone else is sniffling at the end of War Horse because I can only take so much melodramatic, manipulative, Hollywood "if we make the music swell at just the right moment and add cheesy silhouettes against a bright, too perfect sunset, then you, the dumb audience will feel an emotion that probably didn't exist in the first place, but we'll make you feel it anyway."  Ugh.

I honestly can't walk into a theater and watch a drama created by the Hollywood machine, it's torturous (especially if it's an adaption of an already ridiculous Nicholas Sparks' novel - saw a dvd of one of those once - NEVER again).  However, if the film is something akin to a Mission Impossible or other 'suspend your disbelief' action flicks, or even a well written comedy, then yes, I'll go and enjoy the escape for a couple hours.

OK, off my soapbox and on to my point.  Indie films.  Independent films created by talented directors outside the mega studios using small budgets and lesser know actors.  Films that connect with the audience on a deeper level than studio movies because the emotions are REAL - not contrived, not predictable, and especially not manipulative.  That's why I love Sundance, and this year I would have to say my favorite film was the very low budget, but beautifully directed and emotionally raw I am not a Hipster.

The themes explored in this film are universal and I connected with every character on a level I didn't expect.  Of course it wasn't perfect and its flaws will be apparent to any discerning film critic, but it affected me deeply and touched my heart.  Without giving too much of the story away, it is a portrayal of a troubled soul - the internal struggle within the main character after he has disappointed everyone who is dear to him, and the unconditional love and forgiveness that sometimes are only found within the bonds of family and the best of friends.  There was absolutely nothing contrived in this film and its sincerity and genuine warmth was powerful. I am always thrilled when a director "gets it," when they understand so completely the very real human emotions of loneliness, estrangement, frustration, connections, and of course, love.  The film was also infused with moments of laugh-out-loud humor, tenderness, and amazing music.  I look forward to seeing it again and hope it gets picked up for wide release.  For another review, click here.

So, as the next Nicholas Sparks' "book made into a movie" makes its debut in theaters around the nation, check out the offerings at your local art house theater.  I guarantee you'll find a better story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

I knew I would run into the director and cast of this film - it was that special - it made my whole week . . . and yes, Caroline was part of the magic too (only she had no idea why I was so excited to talk with these people ;-).

SUNDANCE '12

My week officially ended tonight with a beautiful documentary by director Joe Berlinger in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Paul Simon's Graceland album.  It was the perfect ending to an amazing line-up of films that made me smile, laugh, cry, think, and contemplate life's journey.  But most importantly, they touched and expanded my heart.

Thank you Sundance.

More pictures and reviews to come . . .

"There is no city like this in the world"

I'm just going to cut to the chase.  This film was enchanting, exquisite, and pure magic from beginning to end.  Indeed, I'm sure film critics around the globe have already pointed out its plot deficiencies and flaws, but let's face it, for me it was perfection.  I love Paris.  I adore Woody Allen movies.  I love art and writing.  I'm intrigued by the search for one's soul mate, and add bonus points if it's paired with a personal journey of discovery and reflection.  AND I need to laugh . . . not some silly, Hollywood contrived "make the audience laugh here" moment, but true "human to human moment of understanding" humor.  I actually found myself giddy as the movie progressed because each scene was absolutely delightful.

Another lovely evening at the Broadway, which feels like a home away from home since I head down there so often.

Thanks Woody for intelligent writing, for confirming my faith in dreams without slaughtering disillusionment, and for making my memories of Paris more vivid than ever.  Indeed, as Gil muses in the film, "There is no city like this in the world."

Agreed.

And not many movies come along that make you smile like "Midnight in Paris" . . .

Speechless . . .

YES, another movie that literally left Chris and I speechless as the credits rolled.  Biutiful opened this weekend in SLC and we had been awaiting it's release since it takes place in Barcelona and stars Javier Bardem.  Now I can say without reservation that Bardem has solidified his position as one of the greatest actors of our time, a genius.  He is brilliantly cast in this film and handles the enormity of his character with grace and brutal honesty.

I have to say that this movie is not for everyone, and so I hesitate recommending it wholeheartily.  I found the offensive moments necessary for the development of film as art since they weren't glorified, however, there were a few folks who stepped out and unfortunately missed out on a truly beautiful experience by not allowing these integral pieces find their way into the greater puzzle.

It will be interesting to see if Biutiful will take the Oscar over another breathtaking foreign film, Incendies, which I was fortunate to see at Sundance this year.  As mesmerizing and thought provoking as I found Biutiful, I still think Incendies was the more profound overall experience.  Watch for it in theaters sometime late spring.

S U N D A N C E

“Storytellers broaden our minds: engage, provoke, inspire, and ultimately, connect us.”

 —Robert Redford, President and Founder, Sundance Institute

I need to first give credit where it is most deserved, and that is to my generous and sweet husband, who for  Christmas this year gave me a Sundance ticket package (after last year's festival I told him that would make a great gift and he wouldn't have to do a thing - definitely his kind of deal), along with the freedom of spending the weekend completely responsibility free (well, as long as I am sure to make it to church to deliver my Relief Society lesson :-).   My friend Rachel, who flies in this evening from New York, and I will spend the next 3 1/2 days reveling in the energy that is the SUNDANCE film festival.  I'm just crossing my fingers that the films we picked will be as great as the premiers I saw last year.

I love Independent films!!

TANGLED!

Absolutely delightful. 
Perfect family film (in 3D - very nice) - you won't be disappointed, I promise.

"Do I wear you out?"

This was Liza's question (just one of the hundreds she asked during the day) to me last night after she asked if she could climb on my lap and watch youtube clips of her favorite movie she's never seen, Slumberdog (sic) Millionaire.  While I searched for the clips, she continued her one sided conversation, it went something like this:

"I think I wear you out - you look tired."  um, ya, it's almost 9pm and you should be in bed, but insist on seeing the little boys from the movie steal bread from the roof of the train.

" . . . like OLIVIA, in the book, I'm just like Olivia huh -  she wears everyone out!"  can't disagree on that point.

"Oh, I don't want to see the part when they burn the eyes out"  sheesh, does anything get past this kid??  Don't worry, I won't show that part.

"Do you think when I'm nine you'll let me watch Slumberdog?"  probably . . . I'll be so worn out by then you'll get away with anything.

Those ramblings were the follow up from a conversation we had a few days ago in the car with Caroline.  I should know by now that whenever I play the soundtrack from Slumdog Millionaire, Liza will start in with a barrage of questions.  This is how it played out:

Liza: Ohhh, Slumberdog music . . . what's going on in the movie now?

Liza:  When do I get to watch the movie, Ryan and Caroline got to watch it!

Me:  It's not really a kids movie, it's a little too violent.

Liza:  It is too a kids movie, there are KIDS in it!  What does "violent" mean?

Me:  Well, there are kids in it, but there are things that might scare you.  Violent means people with guns, and people who get really angry and do things that aren't right like hit or shoot people.

Liza:  That's ok, I don't mind.

Me:  SIGH . . . hmmm, maybe i'll let you watch a little part.

Caroline pipes in:  Well, just don't let her see the part when they pour the acid in the kid's eyes.  Thanks a lot Caroline - here comes another round of questions . . .

Liza:  WHAT??  What did you say they did to the kid's eye?  What's acid?  Does it hurt?  What happened to their eyes?

Let's just say that for the past two days I've been answering every question an overly inquisitive 6-year old can imagine that has to deal with children in India, why children have acid poured in their eyes, why they beg in India, why they are blind, if everyone in India is violent or just a few people, if all children in India get to ride on the top of trains . . . . .

Yes, Liza, there are days when you wear me out, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Like last night just before bed, while I knelt down with my two precious youngest daughters for prayer (big kids and dad were at the Jazz game) and enjoyed this sweet conversation:

Liza:  When conference was on the tv, I heard someone say that Heavenly Father loves us even more than our parents, is that true?

Me:  Yes, that's true, believe it or not, we love you so much, but Heavenly Father's love is even deeper and more powerful.  It's probably hard to understand that, but it's true.

Sophie:  Ya, Heavenly Father never gets mad at you like your mom and dad!!

Liza:  He doesn't get mad, but He can get disappointed.

Me:  (thinking - "did she really just say that? quite insightful"). You're right, yes, he does get disappointed in us sometimes because we aren't obedient and don't choose the right, but he knows we'll make mistakes and still loves us and wants us to choose the right.

Liza:  I know he loves me . . . I think he gives me a hug every night when I am sleeping.

Out of the mouth of babes.

Our new favorite comedy

OK, seriously?  Seriously??  I don't think I've had more fun at a movie since "Meet the Parents" (which was supposed to be funny).  Last night after Caroline's tennis match we decided to go to the dollar theater for a girls' night with Caroline and Sophie's friends to see the latest romantic vampire episode.  What the hay, it's a buck, and to spend some time with my girls, it's worth it, no matter the movie.

I think Caroline is now one of my favorite movie buddies.  It was shear pleasure sitting next to her and cracking up together outloud every time something corny escaped the lips of the characters . . . not just the script, but the silly music tracks, the contrived plot line, and the downright lousy acting.  Caroline's favorite line to mock is, "It's not a lifestyle choice . . . I was born this way, it's a gene, I can't help it."  Really, by the end of the movie the entire theater was laughing - hard - because once you have a twelve-year old girl not buying this type of movie, the people around you see the light pretty quick!

After it was over, the group behind us commented that it was the funniest movie they've seen in months, and Caroline replied, "ya, and I feel really bad for the people who thought it was serious!" We concurred that it definitely deserves a new title . . .

A Girl and her Dog: A Love Story (it's complicated)

SUNDANCE ~ 2010

It seems that every so often there are defining moments that for one reason or another help put everything in perpective and add such clarity that it's almost impossible to explain.  Today happened to be one of those days.  After an emotionally long week dealing with teenage son issues (to be posted at a later time - stay tuned for the drama) and a stressed-out husband, I was struggling to stay positive.

Sometimes you don't realize how much you need something until you experience it and find yourself brimming with renewed personal energy, as well as enthusiasum for the human spirit.  Today I experienced a bit of an epiphany - I realized that when were depleted and even if we think we can continue creating positive energy completely on our own without vital resources, we are sadly mistaken.  It really IS so important to leave life behind for a moment and completely immerse ourselves in the things we love.  A very difficult thing for most mothers to do!

So, this morning I headed up to Park City for my first day at this year's film festival.  Let me clarify, my first day at the festival in YEARS.  I bought tickets to films I researched and thought looked wonderful (and they were), I went completely on my own, ended up meeting some amazing and creative people, and drove home so energized I could hardly contain it.

I've always loved independent films, and after today I have a newfound respect, almost reverence for these writers and filmmakers.  The creative energy that was present during the screenings and question/answer sessions after the films was contagious.  The people I listened to and even personally met (writers, editors, musicians, directors, cinematographers, and actors) were simply brilliant, and listening to the directors whose vision finally has become a reality was truly inspiring.

W I N T E R ' S  B O N E



I can't stop thinking about this film - the acting was incredible, the atmosphere the director created was palpable, the story was heartwrenching, but it was the inner strength of the main character that was so remarkable.  I was deeply moved, and felt it a privilege to sit right behind the author of the book, Daniel Woodrell, as he watched his novel take shape on the big screen.  It was a wonderful thing to see his reaction to the film and talk with him after about his feelings after he watched this movie for the first time.  It must be such a beautiful experience for an author when their work of art is transformed perfectly into another medium.

O B S E L E D I A



Absolutely charming and delightful.  I really loved this film and am looking forward to more work by Diane Bell.  She both wrote and directed "Obselidia" and I was very impressed, especially since it was her first film.  She created a unique character that was honest, humble, and vulnerable without seeming pathetic.  She also infused such beautiful ideals and philosophies into her work that really made you think and evaluate your own opinions on these topics.  The film deftly explores themes such as perfection, love, beauty, and how we view the future.  Bell was such a lovely person and it was a pleasure to hear her talk and answer questions, as well as the entire cast - what talent - can't wait to see these actors in more films in the future.

I wish I had all week to live in Park City and soak it all in, but alas, I have a family and children who need me.  Thursday, I'm headed up for another film (if anyone wants to join me, let me know - early morning), then Friday night Chris and I are going to waitlist a documentary, then Saturday afternoon I have my last film - another documentary that looks so inspiring I can hardly wait.  My energy sources will truly be overflowing by the end of the week!

Date Night

Cozy dinner and cinnamon tea at our favorite Lebonese restaurant:  Simply amazing.

Watching Chris take 15 minutes to parellel park:
"Laugh so hard you cry" funny.

Masterpiece of a movie at our favorite downtown theater: 
Compelling.

Chris admitting that he really is a movie snob, just like me:
Oh, so satisfying.

Finally finding some time alone to talk, laugh, and connect with each other after more than a week of holiday company and craziness: 
Priceless.

LOVED this movie

After spending the entire day yesterday CLEANING the house (it feels great - hopefully today I'll get up Christmas) I decided to treat myself to this fabulous film - Meryl Streep was amazing, just amazing.  Yes, just me, at the Sugarhouse dollar theater.  I actually don't mind going to movies by myself, especially on a weeknight when the theater is practically empty and I can take my shoes off, put my feet up, and stretch out across three seats while I laugh out-loud at the funny parts and even shed a tear or two during the tender scenes.

Now that the year is coming to a close, I think I've seen maybe FIVE movies total in the theater - pathetic - especially when I know I've missed some great independents at the Broadway, and also knowing that of those five, two or three were with the kids.   So, I'm just going to start doing this more often because great films are released monthly and by the time I get Chris to go see them with me, they're already out on DVD and I've missed the theater experience!  If anyone out there wants to be my movie buddy, call me and we'll start seeing movies once a month - I think it's something I need :-).

Even better the second time

Love, love, LOVE this movie!  Last night I grabbed Sophie, Liza, and Ryan (so sweet - when he heard I was going to take the little girls, he wanted to come too) for an outing at the dollar theater to see "Up" again.  It's now hands down my favorite Pixar . . . I believe it's the only computer animated film that can bring tears to my eyes!  Such a tender story, so sweet and touching, not to mention unbelievably clever.  Truly, it's pure genius when you find a movie that appeals to everyone - a story that can move an adult to tears, make a five-year-old giggle so hard she about falls out of her seat, and keep a teenager enthralled the entire time.

Thanks again Pixar for another classic to add to our collection, this one is timeless.

Tugged at my heartstrings . . .

By now everyone out there knows how I'm struggling with my kids growing up. How just the other day, I made Liza stand against the wall while I marked her height with a pencil and told her she absolutely CANNOT pass that line. How everytime Ryan stands next to me I'm relieved to see that I don't have to look UP to talk to him, not quite yet. And how, I smile inside every day I can still pick up Sophie and Liza, swing them in the air, and smother them with kisses and hugs, knowing full well that I only have a few short years to do so.

I am desperately trying to hold on to each moment, and it seems things are just speeding up rather than slowing down. Sooo, with keeping my recent emotional hang-ups in mind, it was no wonder the flood gates opened this evening while at the theater (I had taken Ryan and Caroline to see the latest Harry Potter) watching this trailer. It's too bad I wasn't able to embed into the blog, but take a minute to watch - it's beautiful.

So, there I am watching the opening previews with tears streaming down my face remembering the days when Ryan would beg to have us read this story just "one more time" before bedtime. How he would recite outloud with us: "and they roared their terrible roars, and rolled their terrible eyes, and gnashed their terrible teeth!" And how he would anxiously wait to verbalize the one word just for him . . . "and they cried, 'oh please don't go, we'll eat you up we love you so,' and Max said, 'NO!'" We would pause for a moment after "Max said . . . " and Ryan would shout out NO! with as much emotion as his 3-year old heart could muster.

Those are the memories that hit with such force tonight while the trailer was playing that I couldn't help leaning over and patting Ryan's knee and whispering to him, "remember how much you LOVED that book?" I could barely get out the words and was ready for Ryan to give me that look of "oh brother, don't tell me you're crying Mom!" But, I think he was as touched as I was because he just nodded and said, "yes, I remember."

"The Curious Case of Forrest Gump"

I must give credit where credit it due. It was Chris who, in the middle of one of the tugboat scenes (see previous posting) leans over and whispers, "doesn't this movie remind you of Forrest Gump?" Of course, he was dead on accurate. Then a few days ago my friend sent me a link to this video and we've been cracking up about it ever since. Enjoy the clip . . . then ask yourself WHY oh WHY is this movie nominated for 13 Oscars?? I don't get it and I'm on a crusade to figure it out!

The Curious Case of Forrest Gump - watch more funny videos

Breaking my Blog silence . . .

Who am I kidding - not blog? I think too much and I just can't NOT write when something takes place that absolutely demands my attention . . . when an evening out turns into the perfect blog posting - or maybe my evening just feels like it an episode of Seinfeld rather than a date with my husband. I'll take that back, the majority of our dates could be possible Seinfeld episodes :-).

So, our time was short for a date tonight after a day of tennis lessons, birthday parties, and a hockey game - but I was determined to make it happen because it's been three weeks since our last outing and Chris and I could use some time AWAY from the noise and chaos of the house. As much as we avoid such places with names such as "Megaplex," we took the plunge figuring that Jordan Commons was fairly close and the movie we wanted to see was there. First of all, it's been over two years, and the last time it was a really late movie with a girlfriend who was in town visiting - we walked in late, found our seats in the dark and watched a delightful movie. The time before that was with the kids for a summer matinee of "Curious George." Frankly, I avoid the place as much as possible.

Tonight it felt like entering an entirely different dimension. Um, do people really bring their dinner (let me clarify - I'm talking huge portions of french fries carried in on massive trays) in with them to watch a movie? How much are these people eating? Do these theaters always smell like fried food? Holy crap - are we the only people in the theater without a giant, 5-gallon sized bucket of popcorn - for TWO? Does anyone come to watch a movie anymore without stuffing their faces full of food? Seriously, we look a little out of place showing up with our contraband box of Dots and a water bottle. Maybe I was just in shock and couldn't experience the true depth of the movie we had chosen.

Which brings me to something I am SO passionate about - movies. If I'm going to sit in a theater with large people eating even larger portions of fried food for over 3 hours, the movie better be good. The movie was supposed to be amazing, the critics raved about it, my friends and family loved it, it was supposed to tug at your heart strings, it would make you think . . . it was supposed to be "epic!" Um, ok, great, I'll go to the "Megaplex" for epic.

Lights dim, previews begin - love the previews - that new movie with Sandra Bullock looks cute . . . movie starting . . . I'm watching . . . pretty interesting . . . ok, old dying lady is um, old . . . great, I think I'm getting something out of this, or maybe not . . . I'm still waiting . . . ok, hmmm, there was a little tidbit of wisdom . . . Is this movie Hollywood's version of "depth and feeling?" . . . . oops, I don't think I was supposed to laugh at that part . . . . um, it's starting to feel a little like Titanic and Forrest Gump rolled into one movie, . . . . oooh, Brad Pitt on a sailboat with the sunset - that was NICE . . . ok, nothing happening here - no depth, flat characters, no emotion, contrived, a little lame . . . ok, I'm REALLY getting tired of the dying old lady . . . now Chris and I are whispering lines to each other that the characters should say . . . DO NOT start laughing because the lady next to you is wiping her tears . . . suppress your laughter Julie . . . "Chris stop whispering silly lines - I'm going to burst any minute!" . . . old dying lady is on again . . . . YAWN, when is this saga going to end?? . . . sore butt, shifting my positioning for the hundredth time . . . . Do NOT laugh, it's not over yet . . . . FINALLY, the credits!. . . exit the theater (while the theme from Titanic is now playing in my mind - "near, far, wherever you are . . . ") as quick as possible, try not to laugh too loud . . . ok, can't help it, I'm CRYING, Chris is cracking up, we finally make it out the door and tears are literally rolling down my face and I seriously can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.

The movie was The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons. From now on I'm sticking to my tried and true films at the Broadway. Those movies that are filled with powerful, intelligent writing and directing. Movies that make me laugh because they are quirky and beg for laughter. Love stories that are meaningful and filled with simple, yet profound longing. Dramas that truly touch your heart and soul . . . the ones that the tears flow spontaneously because they move us so powerfully.

I don't regret going to see that movie tonight. It was fun to just be out together, view humanity, and reconnect in a way only Chris and I can . . . plus, laughing that long and hard is oh, so good for the soul :-).

"I Got You Babe . . . "

So, it's Groundhog Day today and you cannot properly celebrate without watching one of the Cantera family's favorite laugh together movies, Groundhog Day. Bill Murray is absolutely hilarious and the film goes beyond slapstick humor, there is a lot of truth about each one of our own personal "groundhog days" . . . living the same routine over and over and over again. Really, didn't I just clean up dinner, wipe down the counters, start the dishwasher and turn off the lights in the kitchen yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that?? . . . . SIGH.

It was great tonight when Chris and Ryan arrived home and were so excited to see we had just started watching the movie. Chris exclaimed, "You remembered!! This has got to be one of the funniest movies ever!" So, in celebration of that silly February 2nd holiday, here is one of our favorite parts and of course, the best line in the film - "this is a MAN we're talking about, right??"



Oh, and not to be outdone by a comedy - it's my little sister's birthday today . . . HAPPY 32nd JENNA - love ya!! We'll celebrate both our birthdays when I go visit her in Oregon this spring and attempt my first half-marathon . . . yikes!

9. Indie Movies and Ethnic Food

OK, I was scanning my last few "thankful" blog entries and it's starting to sound like a sacrament meeting talk, and I can only act so mature and philosophical for so long :-). For the next few posts I would like to take a look at some of the fun things out there that bless my life and define me as a person. I'll start with two of my very favorite things to do with Chris on the weekend - hit an independent movie at the Broadway or Tower and then head to one of our local ethnic restaurants. Last night it was this movie, and I'm a little hesitant recommending it to anyone who finds some language and intense family drama uncomfortable (it's not for everyone), but for me, just like the majority of independent films, it was thought provoking, insightful, compassionate, and honest. If you watch that film without shedding at least ONE tear, you have no heart!

I am passionate and extremely selective about the movies I'll spend my time and money viewing. I've found the great majority of mainstream box-office films too predictable and even mind numbing like this film (we rented the dvd after a recommendation and were all so sick of it 1/2 through we turned it off - really, it was that awful - my apologies to those friends of mine who liked it), that I find it refreshing to sit in a theater and have your mind and soul renewed and expanded due to creative and talented writing and directing. My absolute favorite movie of all time I saw a year or so again at the Broadway after missing it's premiere at Sundance (DANG), it's one of those films that doesn't leave you, that says so much with so little and truly understands the heart. THAT my friends, you'll rarely find at the local Cinemark 16. I was shocked last summer while at a wedding reception conversing with some friends and making the remark that afterwards Chris and I were headed downtown for the latest indie . . . our friends had NO idea what we were talking about. Are you kidding? People . . . LIVE, experience, and find those things out there that are a little different, that enrich your life, that truly explore the human heart - you'll be a better person for the experience. Go see a great documentary and learn something new, or read the subtitles of an amazing foreign film, or explore a period drama, or a thoughtful biopic. You'll be glad you did!

OK, next, my insatiable desire for something with cumin, curry, or coridander. As grateful as I am for the pilgrims this time of year, they didn't bring eastern spices with them on the Mayflower, so right now I'm incredibly thankful for those immigrants who come to our little city and set up shop creating delightful aromas and victuals that tantalize the palate. Just give me anything Indian, Thai, Lebanese, Turkish, Moroccan, Greek, Indonesian, Afgani . . . ok, you get the picture. I am so thankful for the little restaurants scattered around the valley that cater to my desires, and especially to my friends Rachel and Sue who introduced me to these culinary delights while in college. So, to increase business so I'll never show up one day and see a "closed" sign, I'll put a few of my favorites here for your enjoyment:

• Himalayan Kitchen (our choice last night - 4th S., west of State)
• Cedars of Lebanon (152 E. 2nd S.)
• Mazza (9th/9th and 15th/15th - I prefer this location - smaller and more intimate, plus the owner is more often up here and he's great!)
• Royal Thai (1968 Murray-Holladay Road)
• Cafe Madrid (for a splurge and authentic Spanish cuisine, 2080 E. 3900 S.)

I couldn't live without good food and thought provoking entertainment - my life is richer and more colorful . . . for that I am filled with gratitude!