Gran Torino

Last weekend, we ventured out into the cold to watch this movie Gran Torino . . . I won't lie - I heard Clint Eastwood and assumed this was a guy's action flick . . . I dutifully went along determined to enjoy it.

I should have had a clue when I mentioned to Sabrina that we were going to see it and she squealed, I LOVED this movie. You'll like it. Uh . . . ok.

Oh my goodness, it is not a typical Clint Eastwood film. This was a fantastic movie. I'm really digging these plots that intertwine our culture with others - that demonstrate the obvious differences and then, in unpredictable ways prove we are all truly the same inside . . . trying to love our families, live peacefully, love our God, reach our goals and can help one another along the way.

I don't really follow the awards scene, but I cannot imagine that Clint Eastwood wouldn't be receiving recognition for this one!

Hint . . . I bawled in the theatre at the end of this one! Never saw it coming.

THE Book Review

Ok, so after reading The Kite Runner and posting my raving review . . . I ordered A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

I finished the last two-thirds of this book in one sitting last night. I couldn't tell you the last time a book has gripped me like these two have! Yes, this was just as powerful as the first book. This time focusing on two girls/women, instead of two boys/men.

These books focus on the power of spirit in spite of unimaginable life circumstance. It gives us a glimpse into the Afghanistan culture and struggles. It humbled me and makes me thank God that I was born into the wonderful country that most of us take for granted. It speaks to the power of friendship and devotion.

Seriously friends - READ THESE BOOKS!!

Our Visit to the 2009 Pennsylvania Farm Show . . .

Yesterday, we went to the Farm Show . . . I was excited to try and capture some of the "goings on" at the show.Of course, there are cows, chickens, sheep, goats . . .but there are also peacocks, deer and even a bison!

I want to enter something in the 2010 Farm Show! Maybe produce? Maybe a pie? Maybe a floral arrangement? They even have a photography competition! I'm having no luck finding the entry rules though . . .

The horse pulling competition was exciting to watch. These animals are phenomenal . . .

And of course . . . you cannot visit without sampling the food! There is definitely something for everyone - healthy and uh hum . . . NOT! The boys enjoyed milkshakes and fried cheese squares. I had smoked trout soup and deep fried veggies.

It's going on through next weekend - if you haven't visited - you should!! Admission is free, parking is $8.00, so take some friends.

If you haven't read this book . . . YOU MUST!!!

This is definitely in the top five of my "Best Books Ever Read" list . . . that exists soley in my head of course.

Fabulous, better than expected, why did I wait so long to read it would be my quotes! Run out and buy it today - SERIOUSLY!

I've already ordered his second book titled A Thousand Splendid Suns - I'll let you know . . .

OMG . . . it was a GREAT eBay night!

Only one item (of three listed) sold . . . but that is just fine!

I bought a six piece, vintage/antique, Royal China International set a couple weeks ago at an auction. I broke the set up into two auctions . . . an oversized pitcher and bowl (like used for bathing in the old days) and then the second auction of a small teapot, creamer, sugar and vase set.

<GULP> I paid $2.00 for all six pieces . . . and tonight . . . the first two pieces sold for $212.49!!

It is VERY pretty . . .

Woohoo . . . A contest!

No, not here . . . but over at Happy Daisy's blog! She is GIVING AWAY a free 365 Project Kit from Creating Keepsakes. So don't wait . . . bounce on over and enter this super cool giveaway!

THE Gingerbread House . . .

Last night while we were out stocking up on (hint, hint) BAKERY SCENTED CANDLES at AC Moore (where they are on sale for - gulp - $2.00 each) . . . we picked up a Wilton Gingerbread House Kit. Around 11:00 p.m. we started . . . and finished around 1:00 a.m.

Jeremy is credited with the bulk of the creative foresight and application . . . this man is a master at piping royal icing!

I'm soooooo ready to start baking cookies, fudge and chocolate covered pretzels for holiday gifts.

A Puppy Photo Shoot . . .

Today I was supposed to be shooting an engagement session for Jeremy's sister and brother-in-law . . . Julie and Mike . . . those photos didn't turn out as planned so a reshoot is scheduled for next weekend . . .

BUT . . . I did get some adorable images of their Golden Retriever puppy - Riley. Is she not the CUTEST little bundle of fluff?!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday . . . Bradley is camping in Potter County with a friend, Jamie spent the day with his dad at his Aunt Donna's and Jeremy and I spent the afternoon with his family.

Here are some of my favorite fall photos from flickr (these are not mine!) . . .

Knox Loved the Snow!!

I know, I know . . . I'm so very late with these pics!! We've been busy . . . Knox absolutely LOVED the snow. He was mesmerized by it . . .

Yesterday (11/26/08) he weighed in at 54.2 pounds! He is now as tall as Onyx!