Refresher

While out to lunch with some co-workers, I saw something I haven’t seen in years. And I just had to buy it, despite not using the said product for years.

Coke in a glass bottle.

What a difference it made in the chaos of the work day.

In a League of My Own

Last week, Werk was hurtin’ for some ladies to show up for the co-ed softball game. I typically go, but as team mom. I’m bringing the snacks, the beer and the cheers. I was quite content with my role. But alas, they needed me to not only “play” but “play” something other than catcher.

So I decided to really put my best foot forward and dress the part. The whole part. I must say, I played the best softball of my MW career. And karoaked afterwards in this to “You Can’t Hurry Love.” Many thanks to the lads at the window table and their “Dottie, Dottie, Dottie!” chants.

Play Ball

It’s here: Opening Day. The day that assures you summer will eventually come. That days of humidity and sweat are just around the corner. And I for one love it. Baseball games have been there during Sunday morning nap times and for father/daughter bonding moments. But I cannot lie, I love seeing baseball on the big screen. From Bull Durham and A League of Their Own to The Natural and Eight Men Out, I cannot get enough.

We’re heading to the Cubs/Brewers game next Tuesday. I’m sure it will be a bit chilly, but I just cannot wait to hear the crack of bats and cheers of the crowd. And that damn Cubs song. I may loathe the Cubs, but nothing compares to a game at Wrigley when they sing that song. And then in a few weeks, Tim and I will make our way down to The Cell for the White Sox/Red Sox series to celebrate him getting into a little place called Harvard.

Regardless if I’m watching professionals play or just throwing a ball around down at North Ave., baseball brings a simple joy. And if you need a reminder of that joy:

The Moving Talkie

I recently finished the book, The Film that Changed My Life by Robert Elder. It’s a collection of interviews that Elder has with many of today’s top directors as they tell the films that changed their way of thinking. Their way of making. And their way of editing.

It got me thinking too. While a ton of these movies I haven’t seen, I thought for sure I would pick a movie that was a classic as mine. I thought of movies I watched growing up and continue to watch today, but did any of them really move me the way these directors were moved?

And it was then that I realized the film that truly has stuck with me, shaped me and continues to amaze me.

That film: A League of Their Own. To my mom, high school and college friends, this probably comes as no surprise. It’s a movie that I quote frequently, a movie I’m always watching and a movie I’m constantly recommending.

In his book, Elder always asked “Where were you when you first saw the film?” and “What about this film stuck with you?” I’m not a director, but I have been editing a lot of video at work, so maybe I am…

Where were you when you first saw the film?

I cannot remember where I first saw this film. It came out in the Summer of 1992, which makes me think I probably saw it with either my mom or dad simply because it was girls playing baseball, and I was a girl, playing softball. But I can remember the day I unwrapped the VHS on my birthday a few years later and the joy I felt seeing Dottie Henson, Jimmy Dugan and All the Way Mae on the cover.

What about this film stuck with you?

Apart from being a gal who enjoyed baseball, I love the drama of this film. And how it encompasses pretty much everything: love, sports, girl power, sibling struggles, war, a singing number, a dancing number and 1940s dress.

But I think my love affair with the film began when I met a “real” All-American Girl, Pepper Paire. It was one of those sports conventions my dad took me to. And it was filled with trading cards everywhere and then I caught wind of this “girl” ball player there.

She signed a photo for me that has literally followed me wherever I am. Always hanging from the same spot in the room, right by the door.. from my bedroom, to college, to Phoenix and now, Chicago. It’s very faded, her writing, “To Hanna! My best friend! Best Wishes!” is barely even visible. I’m sure my 9 year-old-self loved that “best friend” sentiment.

In fact, my 26-year-old still does.

Is there a movie that’s shaped who you are? And one you just find yourself rewatching from time to time (despite being able to play the whole movie in your head)?