Thursday, February 21, 2013

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Tonight's picture was taken in February of 2009. As I mentioned in last night's posting, Mattie loved volcanoes. While he was home between hospital treatments, he literally constructed this volcano by hand. It was ONE MESSY process. But the messier it was the better Mattie liked it. As you can see from this picture, Mattie's face was anticipating the excitement of a volcanic eruption in our living room!








Quote of the day: One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you’re feeling blue is that he doesn’t try to find out why. ~ Unknown


As many of my faithful readers know, I am not a modern movie fan. Therefore getting me into the theatres does require a great deal of coaxing. My parents wanted me to see Silver Linings Playbook today. The movie has been nominated for eight academy awards, which again means absolutely nothing to me, especially considering that so many wonderful actors and actresses, and films for that matter, have gone unrecognized in the past!

For those of you unfamiliar with Silver Linings Playbook, here is the movie's published synopsis...........................Life doesn't always go according to plan. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything -- his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro) after spending eight months is a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat's parents want is for him to get back on his feet-and to share their family's obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives. If you want to see the movie trailer, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj5_FhLaaQQ

Did I come out of this movie raving about it? NO! But nonetheless, I do have to pause and commend the writer for taking on the complexity of mental illness and more importantly the strategy needed to combat the hardships life dishes out to us. This movie is considered a romantic comedy, and given the nature of the disorder in question, bipolar disorder, it seems incomprehendible how such a serious matter could be laughed at or presented in such a lighter fashion. Of course, in true Hollywood fashion the outpatient therapist portrayed in the movie has a whole list of unprofessional and unethical behaviors going on that made me want to throw my hands up in the air in frustration. But factoring that out of the movie, there are several beautiful messages along the way.

The first message which I truly believe is that under the right circumstances any one of us can develop a mental illness. The second and main message which the movie beautifully illustrates is that our connections to certain people in our lives (I don't mean to a therapist, but to a friend or family member) can be curative and protective in nature. Certain people can bring out the best within ourselves, they can cause us to feel better about ourselves, act differently, and in essence change the course of our future. It is these individuals who help us stay positive and have a shot at a silver lining! Which is easier said than done!

The interaction between the two main characters in the movie, both of whom have mental health issues, was actually very powerful and though their issues were different they understood what it felt like to be out of control of their own actions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is through their emotional bond and connection that true change was possible. YES I truly believe that one person who really believes in you and your potential can turn your life around. Though I do not personally relate to the mental health issues portrayed in this movie, I can see the impact of positive relationships in my life and how they have helped me to cope with grief.  

Each one of us faces a life challenge. None of us goes untouched! The issue is different for each of us. The question is how do we decide to deal with such challenges? Certainly, it is easier to retreat, become angry, distant, and detached. But it is my hope that in these darker moments each of my readers finds his/her silver lining to help you navigate through the incredible ups, downs, pains, and heartaches that comprise life.

The sightings of the LA cappuccinos continued today! As we were driving out of my parent's neighborhood there were deer on either side of us. In Washington, DC we have white tailed deer, but the LA Caps are black tailed deer.

The LA Caps are very comfortable crossing streets in my parent's neighborhood. In many ways they own the roads and cars seem to stop to admire the deer, take pictures, and to allow them to cross the road.

A close up of one of these cuties. Unlike our DC deer, these deer have very floppy ears, a very rich brown coat, and black tails.

Meanwhile back in DC, Peter sent me this photo tonight. Patches jumped right into Peter's work bag! I think she is giving him a message. Which is either STOP working tonight or TAKE me to work with you tomorrow!!!