Time to revisit the classics (or rather, visit)

I often marvel at how I got through school without reading several of the classics that were on our required reading list. Such titles as "To Kill a Mockingbird", "Grapes of Wrath" and "The Odyssey" come to mind. So, I've decided that it's time I read them. I actually joined a book club that sends me a new classic every month. They are collectibles, so they are very exquisitely printed and bound. I've received about 6 and of course, they've been sitting on my shelves for months collecting dust, while I was busy dancing my tootsies off.

I'm taking a hiatus from dancing, so I've decided that to keep me from turning into a couch potato, I'd dust off these classics and jump in. I read "The Strange Tale of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde" last week. It's a short novel, less than 130 pages, but it took me a few days to read it because I'm not used to the Old English style it's written in. It's definitely a strange tale, but very interesting. Now, I'm on to "Moby Dick" or "The Whale". Interesting how it has 2 titles, but that's how it's printed on the cover. I thought that I was going to have some trouble with it, but once I got past the first 20 pages, I'm having trouble putting it down at night. I'm fascinated with the story of Ishmael and his budding relationship with Quequeg (a name I'm familiar with only because of the X-Files...you avid fans out there will know what I'm talking about).

I can't wait to get to my next reading...they've just started their journey...and I, mine!

Movie Review

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love the movies. In my family and close knit group of friends, I'm known (with envy) as the "Movie Queen". I remember lots of useless information about movies, those I've seen and some I haven't. The running game when seeing a movie for the first time is to name a movie the relatively unknown actor has been in. Whoever gets it first wins. It's usually a close contest between me and my nephew, Antonio.

Anyway, the last movie I saw was "Must Love Dogs" with Diane Lane and John Cusack. I wasn't sure if I really wanted to see it because I'm pretty tired of the old maid, bitter divorcee role, but I love both actors and thought I'd give it a chance. I invited my two best gal pals to join me, my sister, Bonnie, and my friend, Jayne. The humor was fabulous! You never think they can come up with something new, but I'm always amazed and impressed when they do. The movie starts out with a family gathering...an intervention actually...for Diane Lane's character, who is recently divorced. Her entire family converges on her, each with a picture of a potential suitor. Personally, I think it was the family and her relationship with each that was the basis of the movie's humor. That's also one of the reasons I loved My Big Fat Greek Wedding so much. Anyone who has a crazy, meddling, mean, loving, dysfunctional family can relate. And really, what's better than life to laugh at. We give it three thumbs up!!!