Short work week thanks to the holiday on Thursday. And I for one am having difficulty sitting still at work; I cannot wait to be back in STL for some time off! I love the city, but I’m a gal who loves stars and Oscar the dog, so I’m eager to get back to that life.
This song off Ellie Goulding‘s Halcyon album is helping me power through the hours of the work day.
Thanks to USATODAY, I finally learned there is a night out there just for me, and fellow readers. World Book Night (April 23, 2013) hands out books, spanning 30 titles, worldwide. You can apply to be a book giver, where you’ll receive 20 books to hand out around town.
The goal of the night, and organization, is to spread the love of reading. To find those non-readers or light readers and remind them of how good life is with a book in your hand. Next year’s list of books to hand out is quite impressive.
I’ve applied, and you can too here. Fingers crossed I’m chosen for such an exciting night.
I know I’m super far behind, but here are some pics from Lisa’s wedding weekend. It was a perfect weekend filled with love, laughter and of course, dance offs. After arriving on Thursday, we had an impromptu BBQ in the patio of the hotel, where we met 77% of the wedding guests…Lisa’s Overman Family. And it’s where Sebastian and I first met with my poor Spanish speaking skills. He was a great sport with my charades.
Friday morning we had an early rehearsal at the mountain…my first time seeing the venue. It was simply breathtaking. I seriously felt like we were getting ready to shoot a movie, it just did not feel real. Jem also finally came in town and our 2-year absence from each other’s lives ended. I seriously could not stop smiling having him back around.
The wedding was like all weddings, a complete whirlwind that felt like it was over in minutes. But I am so very thankful I got to be a part of the day and Lisa and Ryan just looked stunning.
My favorite part of the weekend was Friday night before the wedding, sitting in a hotel room with Lisa and a few other girls. We did a jumping on the bed routine (where Bridesmaid Cora accidentally punched Maid of Honor Rachel in the face) and I was just in fits of giggles. Lisa is just the same lass I met 8 years ago.
Lisa and Ryan’s first dance was to Louis Armstrong’s La Vie en Rose from WALL-E, their first date. Needless to say, this wedding weekend purely captured the love that continues to blossoms between these two. Cheers to Mrs. & Mr. Watson!
New music currently rocking this week: The Lumineers. Here’s their performance on Conan last week, which was pretty stellar. But this hands down is the song on loop for me at the moment. And for those John Mayer’s fans, starting tomorrow, you can stream his latest album on iTunes. Happy Music Monday!
Stubborn Love
It’s no secret that life in Chicago during the winter months is well, bleak. And even though this winter hasn’t been all that terrible, the fact that it’s winter and dark when you walk out of the office is depressing as hell. And that Lake Effect wind I just love in the spring, summer and fall is just brutal during this time of year. It’s why I always escape with a trip for a while. And why I’m ever so thankful Mom makes the voyage up here for a little trip. It feels like I’m getting away, without really going anywhere.
This time, Grandpa Norm made the trip up with Mom. We had ourselves a fantastic time and shared many laughs during their 3-day visit. Grandpa got to see where I work (Mom: “It’s like the kids are running the zoo”), see where I live, hang out with Maggie (Maggie: “I asked if I could hug him”) and enjoy all this city has to offer under bleak skies. We celebrated the city’s 175th birthday, caught a Blue Man Group show and saw The Artist in the only way you should, in a theatre.
At the end of the trip, Grandpa Norm turns to me and says, “I can see why you love it so much here.” Seal of approval that I’m doing a-okay in life.
Hanging with a Blue Man
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)?
I am loving this intro to the 2010 Advertising & Design Club of Canada. Perfectly captures the emotions of the creative world.
Got a forward from Grandpa this weekend that just had an image I truly, truly loved. And now I’m scouring the web pages trying to find this.
A perfect reminder to let you know, no
Hanna (Non)Tana 