Eat Pray Whine & How Can Julia Actually Take This Role???

I shared on FB my disappointment with Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray Love" and I got mixed reviews.  The "agrees with me" almost all believed that women need to focus on stories of strength and inspiration instead of a story of someone who surfaces out of depression because she finds a lover who has as much money as she does.  The “don’t agrees with me” acted as if I’d slapped them in the face.  I was kind of shocked.

In looking for reviews of support I came across this, but I have to admit it was the only one I could drum up that wasn’t a verbal bow to the queen:

Lacking a ballast of gravitas or grit, the book lists into the realm of magical thinking: nothing Gilbert touches seems to turn out wrong; not a single wish goes unfulfilled. What's missing are the textures and confusion and unfinished business of real life .... while I wouldn't begrudge this massively talented writer a single iota of joy or peace, I found myself more interested, finally, in the awkward, unresolved stuff she must have chosen to leave out.  Jennifer Egan, New York Times

Hurray for someone willing to go against the publishing mafia!  So I’m willing to admit that my issues with the book are probably related to the fact that I usually avoid reading about women who overcome adversity due to heartbreak. It stems from a deeply rooted skepticism about women and the honesty they have with themselves. More often then not I find myself doubting that the storyteller is actually sharing all the facts of the relationship and on top of that I know an editor would be an idiot not to add a few verbal kittens and puppies to make our hearts (and wallets) go "awwww".  In a nutshell I think we were sold an adult version of Cinderella at $14.95 a pauper.

My final review of the book remains the same. The book stank! Shame on Oprah, shame on the women of my generation for finding inspiration from a women living in La La Land and shame on Julia Roberts signing on to play Elizabeth in the movie.  And kudos to the medicine woman who swindled a house out of this silly woman!

Shopping in Boulder means giving back... sometimes.

One of the loveliest aspects to shopping in Boulder is how much of your spending is dedicated to non-profit organizations that not only help the local community but they also strive to make a difference for those struggling throughout the world.  The Boulder mentality provides visitors (and me!) with many chuckles but one of the inherent qualities that will make you smile is the spirit of generosity the town shows to those in need.  Everyone gives in their own way and one of my favorite examples of busy people taking the time to give back comes through the local shop owners and businesses who strive to make a positive impact by sharing their profits with those in need.

My all time favorite shop in Boulder is Momentum (1625 Pearl Street, Boulder Co). It supports fair trade, environmentally friendly production and has some of the most inspiring wares on the Pearl Street Mall. Hands down it has the best selection of children’s books and toys I've ever browsed.

Another place I love to shop is Two Sole Sisters (1703 Pearl Street, Boulder Co). They always have fun incentives for shoppers to donate their gently used items to others in the community. 

On a much larger scale there's Patagonia (1212 Pearl Street, Boulder Co) which dedicates profits to a number of environmental causes throughout the world.

I know, you're probably rolling your eyes at the idea of shopping making you a humanitarian but if you sincerely think about it EVERYTHING helps. No one is in a position to say how and how much people should give. And considering each of us has our own challenges to face on a daily basis even the smallest effort is a sign of compassion and awareness which boils down to helping to make a difference in someone's life.

Happy Shopping!

Let the mind games begin!

Since we married two and a half years ago (not before), Chris has been accusing me of refusing to admit that I'm getting older.  A. I've got about 20 years before I'll be "older" and B. I don't care that I'm getting older, I just hate hearing that I'm starting to do "old" things when I'm not. For example, according to Chris, I'm getting forgetful. I share with him that maybe he's starting to develop memories that never happened- like my grandmother who said she was a Prima Ballerina in the Russian Ballet and yet she'd never been to Europe. Chris responds by rolling his eyes and saying "you just keep telling yourself that" which is one of those denials that implies I'm going to see that he's right and when I do he's going to rub it in... I guess the sweet justice will be the fact that if he is right I won't remember that he said this in the first place.

Here's the real deal - Chris is the only one who notices that I'm forgetting these little details and, if memory serves me correctly, the things I keep forgetting all have to do with random tid bits that really had nothing to do with what we were doing at the time (what did I just type?). For example, I'll remember every flavor of a favorite meal in a Chilean cafe but I won't remember the color of the umbrella we were sitting under. Or I might remember the conversation we were having when we had to pull off the road with an iced over windshield but I won't remember the mile marker.  Repeatedly, this turns into a no-win situation that always results in me hearing that I need to get my head checked.

Well not any more. About two months ago I dropped my mental filter and shared one of those silly details I usually wouldn't share because, well, it's a silly detail. When I finished instead of hearing the expected "what's that got to do with anything?" Chris said, "how did you remember that?". This is when I realized a little mind game I like to call "beat him to the random punch". I've started making it a point to remember the most obscure details of every situation and the moment a conversation turns toward the past I mix my insignificant fact into a general statement and, BINGO, I've got the most clarity...now it is Chris who Chris thinks is forgetful (yes I did type that).

Another great way to keep him on his memory toes is to recall particular bottles of wine, something I could never do if I didn't take pictures of the bottle with my phone and store them until we're on the hunt for something we've enjoyed in the past.  If you use this trick on your own love, don't tell them you've used the camera phone to jog the my mind, simply go to the other side of the store, take a peek, and then come back with a simple "let's see, I seem to remember you liking the Blah Blah Blah... if my memory serves me correctly". 

HA!

S

I Was Wrong About Zac Efron - He's HOT!

Have you seen High School Musical 3?  I know, I know, a woman over thirty fi…I mean…TWENTY five, shouldn’t be able to answer “yes” to this question but I was suckered into the movie by my parents who insisted, “It’s the cutest show and these kids are great little dancers… they use all that fancy footwork you always like (uh?). And that Zac Efron is such a strong little singer – a voice like your father’s when we were in high school”. My parents were high school sweethearts and my father was the front man in one of those 50’s singing groups.

I swear, I was resisting (rolling my eyes and yawning as if I was too tired to see a movie) but then mom pulled out a classic grandma ploy – “He’s just like your nephew, Benjamin, with that crooked little smile and those shaggy bangs. I told Benjamin I’d watch it for him and I don’t know when we’ll have the chance again”.  It’s a known fact that my parents make outrageous claims about the greatness of teeny-bopper movies to keep us, their kids, GROWN WOMEN, from watching rated R movies but instead of pointing this out I decided to go with the flow and agree that we had to watch “High School Musical 3” to see if Zac Efron did in fact resemble my sister’s kid.

Side Note: We bustled into the Anderson South Carolina theater (Anderson is just over the state line from my parents farm house) 30 minutes early to beat the crowds…. when it was time for the movie to start we were still the only three people in the theater. The managers forgot we were there and didn’t start the movie until mom sent me to remind them.

So we watched the show and I’m thrilled to say that Zac Efron and my nephew Benjamin have nothing in common.  And I’m glad to say this because… ZAC EFRON IS HOT!!! It’s been forever since I’ve been swept away by a guy on the big screen and not only have I formed a distracting crush but this kid (who turned 21 a few days ago)  actually makes me want to go back to high school, the worst time in life! Ladies, Zac Efron has replaced Kevin Beacon in every category - dancing, singing, cute, fun, stupid looking friends he dances around with outside of class. I’m positive Zac would win a game of chicken on tractors. Wait, I just went on line and confirmed that Zac is playing Kevin’s part in a re-make of “Foot Loose” – OMG!

As I watched “HSM 3” I giggled, I blushed, I totally understood the part where Zac and the kid with all the hair dance around the junkyard … it’s all about friendship and has nothing to do with finding a radiator cap (go see the movie and you’ll understand). Within seconds of the opening scene I hated Vanessa (self-centered B-I-T-C-H!) and was so happy when she took off early for college orientation. That tramp left Zac behind… feeling burned by high school girls and yearning for the love of a mature woman?

“High School Musical 3” did for me what “Grease” did for… well, uh… me.  And now I can't wait to see the remake of "Footloose" next year! Wouldn't it be great if he re-made all the favorite movies?! "Dead Poet's Society", "Breakfast Club", "Weird Science"... Dillion McDermott's part in "Steel Magnolias"

I loved it and promise it’s a great show if you're looking for something to do with your girlfriends.

Let me know if you see it!

Mrs. Spice Efron

Perfect Gifts To Give This Holiday Season

I almost hate to share this because it's going to ruin my Christmas surprise for... well... pretty much everyone on my list.  At the same time I can reason that it's a good idea to offer a preview of what loved ones can expect under the tree so they'll be encouraged to give me neat stuff in exchange.

In a nutshell, Heifer International ("The Billy Goat Group") gifts families in impoverished communities with livestock to be used for milk, eggs, producing offspring, trade... for as little as $20 you can purchase a flock of chicks.  FYI - I call dibs on a billy goat for Chris ($120)... it fits him perfectly!  How cute is this little boy?!

There are amazing stories about how this organization paves the way for entire villages to develop into healthy communities.  Here's what I'm talking about:

Goats Are Great for Families

The gift of a dairy goat represents a lasting, meaningful way for you to help a little boy or girl on the other side of the world.

Goats can thrive in extreme climates and on poor, dry land by eating grass and leaves. The gift of a dairy goat can supply a family with up to several quarts of nutritious milk a day - a ton of milk a year. Extra milk can be sold or used to make cheese, butter or yogurt. Families learn to use goat manure to fertilize gardens.

And because goats often have two or three kids a year, Heifer partners can lift themselves out of poverty by starting small dairies that earn money for food, health care and education.

Take a look at the online catalog and you'll see what I mean.  On a side note, if you cross paths with Chris could you do me a solid and steer him in the direction of a weekend in Steamboat Springs... and make it sound like it's all your idea? Thanks!