Dear Emily---
Got into Coupeville about mid-afternoon. Travel was a smooth as I've ever seen it. Still, it was a very long day. Coupeville is located just about halfway up Whidbey Island and is just as lovely as anything I've seen in Amherst. Well, a lot different in some ways but very nice.
Settled into my room and decided to enjoy a little reading time. Trying to finish Garth Stein's 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' before he speaks at the Writers' Conference Sat a.m. Excellent Read thus far! I wouldn't have known that a dog's point of view could be so interesting!
Went for some Dinner (or is it Supper?) at Christopher's -- just across the street from where I'm staying. Check this out:
*Cream of Tomato Soup with Fresh Spinach and Parmesan Cheese Garnish and a Grilled Prawn hanging from an ultra-thin bread stick (OK, maybe you needed to be there).
*Mixed Salad Greens with the House Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing.
*Fresh (!) Salmon on a bed or Wild Rice and Fresh Sauteed Greens. Accompanied with whole Green Beans and thinly sliced Carrot.
*A very nice Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley to accompany.
*Raspberry Crepes with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.
*Freshly Brewed Coffee
A Very Promising start to my Week!
More later . . . from another Nobody,
Kim
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Film Review Reprint: 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'
Film Review/DVD
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Joel Zwick, Director
Time Warner/HBO #91993
©2002 95 minutes
I’m uncertain how I came to view this film. It may well be that my daughter brought it over when I last had ‘The Bug,’ hoping to lighten my day by a little innocuous entertainment.
It must have worked. This movie is delightfully charming! Nia Vardalos has knocked together a script that is witty and quirky and hilarious, intellectually and culturally satisfying, and just plain fun!
Tom Hanks, the executive producer, must have seen something in the possibilities as well, so I stand in good company. We’re guys who are both confident enough to enjoy a good ‘chick flick’ when offered the opportunity.
The casting is superb! Nia, as a seasoned ‘Second City
The film is honest and loving and holds to familial relationships as being wonderfully important. The soundtrack includes just enough Greek tunes and motives to color the action without being overpowering or intrusive.
I even enjoyed watching it with Greek subtitles, this language being one of which I’ve had some minimal instruction. My favorite quote, as given by brother Nick (Louis Mandylor) to Toula (Vardalos):
. . .μην αφήσεις το παρελθόν σου να σου υπαγορεύει το ποια είσαι. . .
άφησέ το, όμως, να γίνει μέρος αυτού που θα γίνεις.
“Don’t let your past dictate who you are, but let it be part of who you will become.” So you see, for the obligatory higher IQ requirement, a little Greek philosophy (well, OK, ‘Dear Abby’) is included.
If you’re considering an easy and light evening of romantic entertainment, I highly recommend this film!
Five Stars this trip!
Russell de Ville
Monday, March 21, 2011
Remarkable Blessing
I work with some pretty amazing People; they're quite wonderful really! Our situation is a Remarkable Blessing for which I'm truly grateful and I try to remember to thank God Almighty every day!
Glen Eyrie has been a place of common employment, a place of physical and spiritual healing, a place of meaningful prayer and a place to be of legitimate service to others.
Most of the Folks I work with are smarter than I am. I believe all of them of quicker than I am! But they tolerate me and strengthen me and lift me up when I falter and are forever teaching me how better to love the Lord.
We host People of all stripes and types with most attending a Program or a Conference, a Wedding or Tea or some Day Event. Some come perhaps needing a place of solace -- even solitude -- for a few days. We're there for them.
And all the Glory goes to God!
Glen Eyrie has been a place of common employment, a place of physical and spiritual healing, a place of meaningful prayer and a place to be of legitimate service to others.
Most of the Folks I work with are smarter than I am. I believe all of them of quicker than I am! But they tolerate me and strengthen me and lift me up when I falter and are forever teaching me how better to love the Lord.
We host People of all stripes and types with most attending a Program or a Conference, a Wedding or Tea or some Day Event. Some come perhaps needing a place of solace -- even solitude -- for a few days. We're there for them.
And all the Glory goes to God!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Prayer is the Key
A few weeks ago it became evident to me that I needed to work a bit more on issues surrounding Forgiveness. I had this on my mind when two different Friends at two different times made specific book recommendations on Prayer. To one I had mentioned Forgiveness as a concern during a life-coaching session; to the other--our Guest Services Manager-- I'd simply asked about his latest book recommendation. Both immediately thought of and suggested Prayer.
I've read twice the first section of Conversation with God, by Lloyd John Ogilvie. In it I found a mechanism and the rationale for a more consistent and directed prayer life. I'm also well into Prayer: Does It Make Any difference? by Philip Yancey. It too I've recognized as very helpful regarding where I need to go in my Prayer Life.
The past few days I've been Reading and Reflecting and Praying and Praising and Resting in the Lord. This is not so easy ofttimes, for ol' Scratch seems to want to throw up barriers and distract me (such harsh language and images!) and tell me, "What a waste of time this is!" But if I'm going to be able to forgive certain others, and perhaps forgive myself from time to time, I know I need to invest in more sustained, focused and meaningful Prayer. I will need the conviction and encouragement and enpowerment that only God can provide.
In flipping back through my One Year Book of Encouragement (ed Harold Myra) earlier today, I settled in on a statement from the entry for March 8 that I'd discovered only a few days ago:
Praying for others changes our attitudes, even about those who do outrageously hurtful things.
It now makes so incredibly much sense.
Perhaps you'll pray for me also?
I've read twice the first section of Conversation with God, by Lloyd John Ogilvie. In it I found a mechanism and the rationale for a more consistent and directed prayer life. I'm also well into Prayer: Does It Make Any difference? by Philip Yancey. It too I've recognized as very helpful regarding where I need to go in my Prayer Life.
The past few days I've been Reading and Reflecting and Praying and Praising and Resting in the Lord. This is not so easy ofttimes, for ol' Scratch seems to want to throw up barriers and distract me (such harsh language and images!) and tell me, "What a waste of time this is!" But if I'm going to be able to forgive certain others, and perhaps forgive myself from time to time, I know I need to invest in more sustained, focused and meaningful Prayer. I will need the conviction and encouragement and enpowerment that only God can provide.
In flipping back through my One Year Book of Encouragement (ed Harold Myra) earlier today, I settled in on a statement from the entry for March 8 that I'd discovered only a few days ago:
Praying for others changes our attitudes, even about those who do outrageously hurtful things.
It now makes so incredibly much sense.
Perhaps you'll pray for me also?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Film Review Reprint: 'Snow Falling on Cedars'
Film Review/DVD
Snow Falling On Cedars
Scott Hicks, Director
Universal #20558
©1996 128 minutes
I love Cinema! I love exploring and considering what decisions a fine Director chooses in making a film, though I’m certain I don’t understand every aspect of the process.
I must confess I’ve had to watch ‘Snow Falling On Cedars’ several times to really appreciate the interpretation and artistic qualities Director Scott Hicks incorporated. I had read the book several years ago and had forgotten a lot of the detail, so this film was challenging for me at first.
Lots of movies that I enjoy are not so difficult to view. They are often well produced and directed, though not necessarily. Many incorporate the best and most interesting actors, but not always. The movies that interest me can be quite entertaining and easy to watch the first screening, with a very select few ending up in my collection at some point. But ‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ hardly fits this “easy to watch” category; it is truly more of an Art Film.
I re-introduced myself to ‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ as film after reviewing the Soundtrack. I’m a Music Teacher by trade and avocation and came across it when sorting out some CDs at school. Watching it again required focus and concentration on my part and my initial reaction was “This is maybe a two or three-star film -- OK, but not really outstanding.”
It was either Siskel or Ebert – I dis-remember which – who made a comment to the effect that we of this generation seem to lack patience in letting a particular film develop, in letting its storyline and intricacies and details be revealed to us gradually, and often subtly. This may be part of the ‘instant gratification’ that has been incorporated into our collective, post-modern personas; at least this seems true for me.
I will suggest that ‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ is well worth your time. It may be helpful to read the book (again) though I haven’t yet. It may be helpful to go through the Extras on the DVD, though some will say that the film should stand on its own merits. In this instance, I disagree; go ahead and do some homework. (I went to my copy of William Manchester’s fine memoir ‘Goodbye Darkness’ to brush up a little on Tarawa .) Watch it with the sound off. Watch it with the French language track. Listen to the Director’s Commentary at least once. Read the DVD historical background regarding Manzanar. Certainly give especial attention to such great acting moments as Nels’ (Max von Sydow) Summation in chapter 16.
If you have the interest and patience to do the research and view the film several times over several days, things wondrous and beautiful may reveal themselves to you, as they did to me. Rather than expecting an immediate reaction, consider this work as you would a complex wine, or Ansel Adams’ photographs or a Gustav Mahler symphony: an artistic effort to be experienced time and again. I believe it’s that good.
I recommend this film highly so Four Stars from me.
Russell de Ville
11 March 2011
p.s. I write my Film and Books Reviews for Amazon using the name Russell de Ville. Cute, Huh!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Second Mile Service
I visited with a new and much younger colleague recently regarding an incident at work where a Guest was asking for more than she was entitled to according to our Standard Operating Procedures. When the Guest complained further, she took it upon herself to find a solution by contacting the right People, asking a few questions regarding taking care of the Guest's needs and then following through by checking to see that she'd done the right thing.
Well, we've all been groused at before; sometimes it's justified and many times not so much.
But what I was impressed with so much is that despite being upset at the situation, our Staffer worked the problem and gave that Guest what we refer to as Second Mile Service. Of her, I'm quite proud!
Well, we've all been groused at before; sometimes it's justified and many times not so much.
But what I was impressed with so much is that despite being upset at the situation, our Staffer worked the problem and gave that Guest what we refer to as Second Mile Service. Of her, I'm quite proud!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Responding to LucidNoodle.blogspot.com
OK then. After in-depth consultations with my Outstanding Research Staff it seems that you need to have a Google Account or use one of the other options listed and log-in to post directly to the Blog. As I'm going to probably link the majority of my Posts to Facebook, most Folks might choose to simply respond in the Facebook Comment Section.
If I find a better way, I'll be sure to let you know.
And regardless of whether you comment or not, Thanks for Reading!
If I find a better way, I'll be sure to let you know.
And regardless of whether you comment or not, Thanks for Reading!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Two Year-Old CABG
Yup. Done this. I've had THE Quadruple Bypass Surgery, or what is known in the Medical World as Coronary Arterial Bypass Graft--CABG. Signed the dotted line and came out with the 10" Zipper two years ago today!
Because of some fortunate Timing, a cracker-jack Medical Team, the support of Spouse, Family, Friends and the attendance of Angels, I'm still around and Kickin'! Didn't quite expect to be.
I'm one of those who believes that genetics played a role but it wasn't just that. I've always tended to eat what I want, when I want. And I've lived too sedentary a lifestyle--at least outwardly.. But I also think God used this to get me to slow down otherwise and think about some things.
Nothing's Perfected as of yet. And I'm still Thinking.
And Reading.
And Writing.
And Praying.
And thankfully, Growing.
Because of some fortunate Timing, a cracker-jack Medical Team, the support of Spouse, Family, Friends and the attendance of Angels, I'm still around and Kickin'! Didn't quite expect to be.
I'm one of those who believes that genetics played a role but it wasn't just that. I've always tended to eat what I want, when I want. And I've lived too sedentary a lifestyle--at least outwardly.. But I also think God used this to get me to slow down otherwise and think about some things.
Nothing's Perfected as of yet. And I'm still Thinking.
And Reading.
And Writing.
And Praying.
And thankfully, Growing.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Psalm Eleven
Psalm Eleven
O ye who pray
to the Lord Almighty,
do you not restrict him
by instruction too much
or demands too specific?!
Leave room for the Lord
to surprise you,
and delight you,
Day-by-Day.
Then you will know
that the Lord,
He is God!
And that there is
no other!
28 October 2005
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Book Reviews
Some time ago, I began to add very short Book Reviews to our Business Facebook Page for Glen Eyrie. I've written several Book and Film Reviews the past few years for Amazon. Having enjoyed that experience, I thought that such blurbs highly condensed might possibly add some interest to the Glen Discussion overall. So far--not so much.
It's a challenge to come up with those pithy, precise statements that are at once clever and have something to say. I read the reviews of others and find things I'd like to emulate such as style and vocabulary and clarity. Yes, I'd like to learn to write that way.
So I'll keep at it and possibly Folks will begin to notice. Perhaps some will come to find those Titles I mention are just pretty good reads, which is what I'm interested in after all . . .
It's a challenge to come up with those pithy, precise statements that are at once clever and have something to say. I read the reviews of others and find things I'd like to emulate such as style and vocabulary and clarity. Yes, I'd like to learn to write that way.
So I'll keep at it and possibly Folks will begin to notice. Perhaps some will come to find those Titles I mention are just pretty good reads, which is what I'm interested in after all . . .
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