Why? Not a political rant...lol Movie Reviews...

Okay - I do trailer shops as a sort of fun thing.  Sometimes it's a free date for my hubby and I, sometimes, it's a quick get in, get out, hate the trailers why do I do this, lol.

Last week it was fun, hubby and I watched Alegiant.

 I missed a small bit in the middle because I had to check another theater, but got the gist of it.  It's pretty good.  Apparently the movie series is much better than the book (I wouldn't know, haven't read the book...)

I think it was an interesting commentary on society - and I think it's funny how all the dystopian type stories think the only way mankind can improve is to start over...

Anyway - today I had one for Superman vs Batman.  Warning...BIG SPOILER ALERT! If you don't want to know anything more, stop reading.  But just to get it all out there....Batman is not stupid, so a great deal of what happened to lead up to the big crisis should have been figured out ahead of time, AND Superman dies!!  I mean really???  When was that ever supposed to happen?  He had just survived a nuclear bomb blasting in his face and he can't heal from a fight with the big ugly monster?
Mutter. Mutter. Mutter.  Not happy Bob.  And what made me sooo sad, was there was one couple that brought their little children to see it!  It is NOT a young child movie, folks.  Granted, they probably had no way of knowing that, and perhaps they couldn't find a babysitter and it's not really my business, I guess, but I watched it knowing those little children were seeing it and all I could think of was what nightmares they were going to have!!  :(  So sad.

Anyway - that wasn't the intention of this blog entry...what I want to ask is why our movies have to be so violent?  Why does everything have to amp up the action, violence, language?
I was reading an article in the Deseret News that compared todays films with 1960's.  There are hardly any G rated movies today.  Last year one of the big ones was The Peanuts. (and if you haven't seen it yet, WHY NOT?? It's totally awesome...)
 This year, apparently, there aren't any coming out.  I thought Zootopia was? Nope - it's PG.  Used to be pretty much anything coming out of Disney could be relied upon to be G.

Not in today's world.  Now it's pretty much PG or PG-13...which is usually something close to R.

It's a sad, sad world we live in folks.  And my kids wonder why we don't like going to movies much anymore.  We are fortunate to live by a little dollar theater that shows top line shows after they've left the big theaters.  Usually it's not worth the money to go see them the day they come out - I don't mind waiting till they come to our little theater.  And a lot of them wait till they come on DVD and we can filter them with either TV Guardian or the Clearplay.  If you don't have either of these items, then you probably don't watch many movies that have been made in the last 10 years.  The language alone doesn't make it worth your while.

As a family we've been reading the book of Ether.  It's sad how such a comparison could be made to today's world. Or, actually, the book of Isaiah.  There is a verse I read the other day that was almost as if they were speaking of our times...right now.  I know he saw our time, but wow...so accurately.

I'm looking forward to Saturday's Warrior folks...big time.  I loved the poster they had at the theater for it!!

Freedom is knowing who you are.  And we are children of a Heavenly Father who loves us.  

This is even more evident this weekend.  My hubby and I were at the temple last night doing sealings, and he leaned over and said, "Do you realize that at this moment was when the Savior was in the Garden?  The Atonement was happening?"  It gave me goose bumps.

Tomorrow is all the silliness and Easter Egg bit (my granddaughters are spending the night and going to one with us in the morning, and the oldest is convinced that tomorrow is Easter.  :(   Sadly, her parents don't have any use for religion and we have to get in what we can. I hope I can share some thoughts about Jesus tomorrow as we are driving...get a little thought as to the real reason for the day in her little head.

sigh.

Anyway - have a wonderful Easter Weekend.  This is a good way to do it...Love the Tabernacle Choir!

Raisins!

Okay - normally raisins aren't something to get excited about.  I think they're okay once in a while as a snack...okay in things like oatmeal...yum!  and sometimes okay in cookies... 
But today is National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day and that's the best way to eat them ever!!  Especially in dark chocolate!  :)

So - everyone go celebrate and eat some chocolate raisins.  Okay...just chocolate would do, but ya know.

Have a good one. 

How young do you feel?? Going to Vote??!!!

Hi everyone - welcome to the rainy/snowy Tuesday...the blossoms are out and it's feeling like spring when the sun shines, lol.
Here's Sandra Boynton's tweet from Sunday that I think fits...

First Day of Spring! (Theoretically.) #spring pic.twitter.com/DApeWyOG6i

— Sandra Boynton (@SandyBoynton) March 20, 2016

There's not a lot today - just some fun stuff.


As Young As You Feel Day - so, remember, you're only as young as you feel.  Well...that's great until you're at the doctors office, right?  And they tell you that, well - hate to tell ya, but you're over that 40 yr mark (50 yr...) and this stuff is going to happen.  Or that's why something doesn't work as well, or that's why something isn't healing as well... UGH.  Tired of hearing that one.  I still feel 26 inside, thank you very much.  It doesn't help when my kids tell me that I don't look old...and I look in the mirror and see gray.  Wrinkles. Age spots.  sigh.  Only consolation is the grandkids!   Here's a test to see how you rate...



Education and Sharing Day - So...not sure what this is about, don't have time to really research it, lol.  Since I work in education, then I guess it's just to support fellow teachers and promote sharing ideas.  Any thoughts? 


National Goof-off Day - I think we all need this!!  Can we all goof off now??  I know we get spring break...YEAH!  For some reason I'm really feeling the need of a break.  How about you?


And food today is National Water Day...  I guess we all need to remember to be thankful we have water and also to drink more of it, right?  DRINK YOUR WATER!  there...I've been a mother to all of you now.  :)

It's also apparently Coq au Vin Day.  For those of you who were clueless (as was I until today) this is actually a 'classic' French dish that I guess is amazing.  I've never had it and not sure I'm going to have time today...so perhaps you could try it?  The link is to Pioneer Woman's recipe for it...she's usually pretty good with those.

Anyway - and to be the last word...remember today is caucus day and get out there to support your civic duties and rights.  Your opinion does count!!!

Hope you have an awesome day!

I Gave In...

I posted on Facebook that I joined the dark side...I created a twitter account.

I swore I was NEVER going to do so...it was silly, stupid, who would ever follow me, I didn't care to follow anyone else, who would waste their time, etc....

And then an opportunity to connect with editors and publishers popped up and my daughter pointed out that I'd have to join twitter to participate.  UGH.

Okay - so I gave in.  I do want to be published...that is something I've wanted since I was 12.  So...now that I've decided I'm serious about it, I figured I'd better get going with it.  I've been checking out books from the library because I realized my writing library is pretty thin...

It's so hard when I have more than one interest.  Painting could take my whole life if I let it...writing could make my family fend for itself...cooking would make me gain even more weight...it's a good thing it's the thing I'm least best at, lol.

Sigh.

So...anyway, if you're part of those that are on twitter...look me up.  It's #gparkerartworks. (I think)  I just don't know how much I'll even be posting...but who knows.  I've gotten a little more consistent at blogging, lol.

So - it's a gorgeous day and we're trying to get some seeds planted and yard cleaned.  Hope you get to enjoy it too!  :)

It's Friday!

And you survived!  Aren't you proud of yourself?  Can you believe how fast March is going?  Next week is a short week (for most of us) and then we have a week off!  Amazing. 

Well...there's only one thing to say about today...
It's Oatmeal Cookie Day!!  I like that one.  Of course, you can't make just plain oatmeal cookies, you have to put chocolate chips in them!! chocolate goes with just about everything, don't you think??  Well..I do.  Most of the time, lol.
There was a time when I was first learning to cook that I made oatmeal cookies for the first time.  I don't know what I did to them, but they flattened out when they cooked and looked kind of lacey.  It was bizarre.  I remember them tasting okay, but they sure didn't look like cookies, lol.


Here's a video to help you get in the right mood for the weekend...



Anyway - The weather is supposed to be the best, so time to attack the yards, right? 
Hope you have an awesome weekend.

Happy St Patties Day!!!

Yes...I shortened it - I do that.  It drives my hubby nuts, but he still loves me.  :)

Hi everyone!  There hasn't been a lot to mention this week, but today I couldn't miss!    I hope everyone wore green!!  And if you're a spoil sport...beware, you'll probably have pranks or pinches today.  lol

of course first is St. Patrick's Day!!!  

  Which is celebrated in Chicago by turning the river green...  That would kind of gross me out, personally.  I like to be silly with stuff, but there's a limit...

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day- this would be every kid, right??  All kids are incredible!!

CampfireGirls Day - is this the same as a girlscout?  I've never heard of campfire girls.  Have you?

National Irish Coffee Day - if I were a coffee drinker, I'd probably like this!  But I'm voting for irish hot cocoa!!  I love Stephens Irish Creme or I guess its Mint truffle...add some whipped topping, YUM.  


And last but not least - and no big surprise, lol, it's
Corned Beef and Cabbage Day!  ​Personally, I love corned beef.  I had never tasted it until about 20 years ago and one of my best friends introduced me to it. Back then it was an economical type thing and my kids loved it.  Now it's a tad expensive compared to tuna or beef even...it's $4 for less than a pound!!!  sigh.  So...no corned beef for us.  Of course, I guess there is the big slabs of stuff that you can buy...I never have figured out how to cook that right, lol.  I think we're going to have baked potatoes with toppings for dinner....or maybe a french fry dinner with different toppings...  How about you??

Well...anyway - have an awesome day!!

Happy Friday!

It has certainly felt like spring this week, hasn't it?  I'm loving it.    And then we have a guest coming from out of town that we only get to see on Sunday and what does the weather say???  Rain...sigh.  Oh well...what else is weather like in Utah? 

Anyway - there was lots of strange stuff on the brownielocks site, so I just ignored it and went for the interesting.

What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day - now that's a question for you.  Have you given any thought to what it would be like if they could grip things?  I mean, cats try it anyway, they're claws bend much more than dogs.  But if they could actually hold things, we'd be in trouble!  Like this one...


National Pound Cake Day! - Apparently people really like this cake...personally I think I haven't had a good one, because I think it's a little boring an dry.  They claim that it's supposed to be moist and light, so I guess I might have to try making one.  Do you like pound cake?  This recipe sounds like it might be good...

It's also (according to Brownielocks) Employee Appreciation day.  Well, I certainly appreciate all of you!! If I had an employee, I'd give them an hour off.  (I'd say the whole day, but who knows why I'd be a boss?  I might need the help! lol)

It's also National Day of Unplugging...and for those of us who aren't really plugged in, we can ignore it.    Right?  Or do they mean TV too...lol.  Friday's are our movie night, so isn't happening.

Anyway - Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Yard work, here we come!

It's March! Finally....lol

Happy March 1st!  I can't believe February is finally over!  I think I mentioned before how long it seemed to be for me...UGH.  At least the weather is supposed to be really nice this week.  Preview of coming attractions, right?   We have a few items to have fun with - and got a little carried away with videos today...so enjoy. 

Dadgum That's Good Day - I guess if you've heard of this then you know what it's about.  I've never heard of it, or the man that apparently wrote a cookbook and does a tv show about cooking...
sounds like Duck Dynasty meets Paula Deen...  lol

National Black Women in Jazz & The Arts Day - I just thought this was fun since we all like Billi Holiday  

and Natalie Cole... (at least everyone I've ever met has liked them.)  I love when she did the duets with her dad.  

Peace Corps Day - I don't know anyone that's ever been in the Peace Corps.  I realize that they have their place (perhaps) but all I can think of is Two Weeks Notice and how her boyfriend is always off on a Green Peace boat... lol.  I figure that's about the same thing.  


National Peanut Butter Lovers day - this is my day!!  But really, what's better than peanut butter with strawberry jam or honey??  YUM  Though I never did like the stuff where they had the stripes of peanut butter with the jam in the same jar?  ugh...I like my peanut butter by itself first.  I love peanut butter.  I don't know exactly what it is, the smooth creamy peanutty texture, or the way it tasted on a nice slice of whole wheat bread...(or when I was a kid it was french bread, lol)  But I never get tired of it.  I fed it to my kids a lot when they were younger and my oldest still won't touch it. 



Pig Day - today is pig day!!  Pig lovers unite.  I'm not sure they would say it's for those who like to EAT pig, but ya know.  Sandra Boynton's tweet is good...  

Plan a Solo Vacation Day - having done this both on purpose and by accident, I have to say it depends on where you are in your life.  When I was a young mother we heard of a mommy's weekend, and my hubby insisted that I do it.  I went on 2...one of them included a friend for a couple of the days, one was by myself.  At that point, I LOVED every moment of it.  Then, I ended up going to Hawaii by myself because of condo time that we had...this was several years after the last mommy weekend, and the children were more grown.  I promised myself I would never go anywhere without my hubby again.  Not worth it...would rather be with him than without anytime.    But that's me.  What would you like to do and where would you want to go??

World Compliment Day - pay everyone a compliment!!  It's easy to do - and I sound like a preschool song.  "It's easy to do, all you do is open your mouth and kind things come out," lol

Hope you all have a marvelous day and enjoy the sunshine.

A Couple of Awesome Movies...

If you are looking for a feel good movie this weekend...you should go see Eddie the Eagle.  It's awesome!  Talk about an underdog! There's a great article about him here.  I remember the story during the Olympics back in 1988...I have always been an Olympics fan in case you didn't know.  :)

The problem with the Olympics, is they are mostly about image.  If you read up about Eddie and how things happened for him to get into the Olympics, and what they changed AFTER he got in, you'd be so sick of them.

Remember Cool Runnings and the story of the Jamaican Bobsled team?  It's the same Olympics...and kind of the same story behind them.  It was an embarrassment to the established athletic scene.

I find it sad that the Olympics have become less about following a dream and more about the 'perfect' athlete.  If you haven't competed on the world stage...if you haven't placed higher than 50 in the world numbers, then you can't compete.  Regardless of how poor your country is, what kind of support you have, etc.  And that's another thing that makes me mad - the COST!  All that money raised to hold the Olympics, all the volunteers that run the Olympics, and the Olympians themselves have to pay to get there!  They need sponsors, or it's a terrific burden on the family.

And sponsors are all about money.  And medals.  It's sad.

I realize it's the whole capitalistic thing...it's all about money, which drives the world and the economy...but sometimes it's NOT about the money.  It's about self worth, and ability, and national pride.

Anyway - I didn't mean to get totally carried away with it, but it's something that bugs me every time I watch one of these movies.

The other movie I would recommend (well, if you have some way to block the language - there is some mild swearing-) is The Intern with Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway.

What's impressive is that it manages to not toss the relationships and run with the 'standard' of the movie industry right now.  It was clean, (we think...we watched it in the Clearplay and it seemed like they bleeped on scene, but we aren't sure.) and it had some mannerly teaching.  At last DeNiro does a movie that doesn't reflect poorly on older men and it will probably be forgotten after Dirty Grandpa.  Ugh.

Oh well.  

And it's probably a chick flick, but it's good.  Enjoy!

Bacon!!

Okay Not Kevin Bacon...

I didn't mean to title this post after food, but you have to admit...bacon is a worthwhile title.  :)  Today is National Bacon day!  My son-in-law will be in heaven, my daughter has already texted me that she will need to eat all the bacon, and the smell of it can send most of us swooning, can it not??  I love bacon.  I like it crisp.  I like it in salads, on pizza, in and or with eggs, with pancakes, oh boy...it's good stuff.  though I don't think I'd like it on a cupcake...

Anyway - didn't mean to get off on that track...












 National Personal Chef's Day - 

 


Everyone who ever wanted to have their personal chef, raise their hand!  lol  I guess if you've got that kind of money, more power to you.  Personally, I like to cook - and I usually improvise my recipes.  (My hubby complains that I rarely make the same thing the same way twice...)
So...I'll be someone elses chef...want to hire me? 

and more on National Bacon Day - all those who like pretty much every meat we eat off that angry animal raise their hands!  That would be me.  I was telling someone the other day, it's kind of funny how this was a banned meat in Jesus's time, and now we use much of it...pork roast, bacon, Canadian bacon, (back bacon) short ribs, boneless ribs, ham, ...sigh.   
My son once decided that there was merit to fixing a faux roast that he'd seen on a anime graphic novel...he bought this huge thing of ground beef and wrapped it in bacon.  UGH.  The bacon was good...but it was tooo much.  Anyway - bacon is definitely on the menu today!  What's your favorite way to eat it?  I like it crispy on just about anything.  My daughter likes it chewy.  To each their own, Iguess.  I figure I've probably got lots of those carcinogenic cells in my body...  :-/

And last...if you are a nut fan,
World Pistachio Day!  My father-in-law loved pistachios.  He would always have a bag around if he could.  I don't mid them, but I like a lot of other nuts more.   It will be interesting to see how many people go grab some just because of the day...

Well - everyone have an awesome weekend and enjoy the sunshine!  I guess we're supposed to get rain, and that's good too.

It's Thursday and the sun is shining!

Are we all doing a spring dance yet?  I can't believe next week is March...I don't know about you, but February has seemed to go by REALLY slow for me.  UGH.  I really hope March doesn't creep by too.  

Anyway - nothing big to talk about today - but it IS National Chili Day!  So, everyone that likes their chili cook offs, their family chili recipes, their white chicken in a crock pot chili, tonight is your night.

Personally, chili is just chili to me.  I like it with lots of meat...and I like my homemade with homemade salsa in it.    but we usually end up with canned veggie or turkey chili with more beans and corn.  sigh.  And cornbread! I really love fresh cornbread with butter and honey...YUM  but anyway, chili with chips...or hot dogs...

What is your favorite kind of chili?  How do you like to eat it?

Well...hope you have an awesome day, and eat some chili!