Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Writer's Island

I had taken a few days away from my computer because it was a holiday weekend for Dave. He had been trying to shake fatigue from a bug all last week, so three days of much needed rain forced him to relax. Dave does not do well with vegging but since I have perfected the art form I made sure we were equipped. Snacks and lots of movies kept Dave from climbing the walls. We rented 6 movies and watched four TV movies in three days. Californians are not used to three days of rain at this time of year so we reverted back to winter weekend movie watching. God forbid we go out and get wet or cold!

I was inspired to return to my blog after the holiday by two of the movies we watched. "Lions for Lambs" was an amazing independent film that articulated my thoughts on the current state of American politics. Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise came together to make a smart, thought provoking film. It reminded me of the movie "Crash" and done in the same kind of way. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=10088



The other movie is "Coach Carter" with Sammuel L Jackson. A true story of a basketball coach trying to make inner city kids realize the importance of an education. What grabbed me was a paraphrased poem by Marianne Williamson recited by a student.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

I was very moved by this poem and felt the need to share it in light of our political climate and in honour of our soldiers. I look forward to "The Return" of our soldiers and my wish to live in a "Parallel Universe" with no more war.

Photo by StockXpert

Join the island at http://writersisland.wordpress.com/

11 comments:

Nancy said...

I've missed you Tamela. And that quote is one of my faves actually. (go figure, right?)
Anyway, we have much to catch up on...and no time on my end to do it. One of these days, it will happen. I've sort of isolated myself a bit lately...perhaps to maintain whatever sanity I have left.
Love ya to pieces...some things never change.

Nancy

PS I've been wanting to see "Lions/Lambs"...now it's a definite!

paisley said...

i totally loved crash,, so i am going to have to put lions and lambs on my netflix... can you send me your email??? i want to tell you where i live to see how close you are to me,, but i don't want to put it on here... and don't worry i wont be visiting,, i am a "bit" agoraphobic,, and visiting will never become an issue!!!!LOL!!!
my email is whypaisley@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I can see why you were moved by the poem, Tammy. It is very thought-provoking and soul stirring. Take care, David Mascellani

Kay Cooke said...

What a joy to visit your beautiful blog with its lovely music and pictures ... glad you and Dave found something fun to do on the rainy weekend. Hope he is feeling better.

Forgetfulone said...

Coach Carter is a great movie. I got to meet the real Coach Carter less than a year ago when he came and spoke to our district faculty. He is quick on his feet, witty, and knowledgable. He's not Samuel Jackson, but he is inspirational.

Anonymous said...

I hereby crown you the "Vegging Queen". We can have Kate Blanchet play you. ;)

Glad you had some cuddle time and relaxation, it's a good thing. :)

((((hugs))))

Creative Soulful Woman said...

Hey Tammy
thanks for the quote - saw your blog on Bella's site.
love vegging out and hope to make a career out of it,
musemother

Annie Jeffries said...

Welcome back from your little break Tammy. Hope Dave is starting to feel better now. My moving viewing isn't nearly as edifying. I've recently seen "27 Dresses" and "Ironman".

Preethi said...

Welcome back.. loved the quote!!

The Journey Home

Giggles said...

Crash is on my list of favorites, Marianne Williamson's book "A Womans Worth" should be a prerequisite for girls reaching womanhood! I love her mind! Indy films are my preferred style of movie.As a bit of political buff I look forward to seeing "Lions for Lambs" Thanks for the movie review! Another excellent post. Hope Dave is feeling better!

Hugs Sherrie

Robbin said...

Dear Tammy, thank you so much for visiting my blog and since I've come to see you, I think I'll be a regular visitor. It feels like such a happy place.
Your kind words meant so much to me and I so appreciate it and you are such an inspiration.