(Music Review) Break Me Out by The Rescues

I've been in love with The Rescues since my husband discovered them this past spring. He bought the cd at Best Buy, forced me to listen to this song, and I was hooked. I must've listened to the cd at least a dozen times in the next week; over and over as I drove the 26 minutes to school in the mornings and the 26 minutes home in the afternoons.

The album is terrific. The group consists of two men, two women, and their harmonies remind me of youth choir -- which made my husband groan when I described it in those terms. They've got a pop-music feel -- which made my brother groan and say, "that's not my type of music."

But I love them. And I particularly love "Break Me Out."

Inspiration Comes in Raw Packages

There's nothing like finding inspiration in someone else. 
Thanks to friend Kyrsten from my creative poetry class, I've discovered Taylor Mali, a former-teacher-turned-slam-poet. I spent an hour watching youTube videos of him last night, spent another hour making my husband watch them, and after was so inspired I sat down and wrote something in under 30 minutes.

I love it when that happens.

So before you think, "Blah.  I'm not going to watch some guy recite poetry," I urge you to take a minute. Or three. Watch the clip below.

Listen.

If you like what you see (and I think you will), try these:

• On What Teachers Make
• The The Impotence of Proofreading
• Labeling Keys
• Defending American Interests

 But to tell the truth, I find his deeper stuff (listed below) to be breathtaking --- literally.  I found myself holding my breath. His willingness to bare his soul... I struggle with that in my writing.  I'm always aware of who I might hurt.  If I write about an ex-boyfriend, will I hurt my husband? The ex's family? If I write about my family, will it offend my grandmother? And so on and so on. My friend Mica tells me that I'm more honest than she ever could be, and perhaps that's true. (Read her guest blog, A "Clark Griswold" Holiday)

But I know it's not enough when I find myself censoring my pen.

Because when I read writing that's raw --- or hear it like Taylor does below --- that's what really packs the punch; they're the words that stick with me. Inspiration comes in raw packages.

• Depression, Too, is a Type of Fire
• Entire Act of Sorrow
• For the Life of Me

To sum up, it seems I recommend watching everything he's ever done on youTube.  I hope you find him as inspirational as I have.  And by all means, please share him (& this post) with your friends on Facebook & Twitter, too!


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My Favorite Movie Scenes

I sing to Shannon most every night, and usually recycle the same songs over and over.  'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' 'You are My Sunshine'...  just to name a few.  A few nights ago as I was singing 'The Way You Look Tonight,' I thought of the first time I heard the song.  My Best Friend's Wedding is one of my favorite movies, largely due to the scene where Dermot Mulroney's character sings this song to Julia Roberts' character on the boat.

Which got me thinking... What are some other favorite movie scenes?  You know, the ones that really pull at the gut and (usually, since I'm a cryer) bring tears to the eye.

So I compiled a list, and it seems they all deal with love, different types but still, all about love.  I'm pretty certain that as soon as this is published I'll think of a title that should've been included, but oh well.  Just leaves room for a sequel.

So in honor of Valentine's Day tomorrow, here are my top five, all-time favorite movie moments.



(5) Bruce Almighty

If you've never said a prayer like this, consider yourself lucky. Enough said.






(4) Steel Magnolias

Although the most famous scene in the movie by far is M'Lynn's meltdown, I think the most touching is the one where she sits holding her daughter Shelby's hand as she dies. The only clip I could find is the complete hospital scene, which is more than seven minutes long, but from 4:30 through 5:30 is the part I'm speaking of.

Warning: grab a tissue before you hit play.






(3) Chasing Amy

Probably the most outstanding profession of love. Ever.





(2) My Best Friend's Wedding

This came out when I was in high school, and I remember distinctly my friend Andrea seeing it in the theater and being angry that it didn't have a happy ending.  But I enjoy this movie, not only for the comedic timing of Rupert Everett (who kinda steals the show) but as I mentioned before, for this scene below.  Simple and powerful.





(1) Love Actually

My favorite clip from my favorite movie.  The hug between (step)father and son portrays the true love story, the relationship between Sam and Daniel.  (Click to play if the arrow doesn't appear)

Sam Runs After Joanna
Love Actually at MOVIECLIPS.com

So there you have it, my all-time favorite movie moments.  I'd love to hear yours!

Summer Favorites: 2009 Edition

Every now and then I post what I consider my "What's Hot" list, and here's my current edition!

Music - I don't have any one favorite right now, but I'm working on the mix for our Autumn Party coming up in October. Any suggestions? And I don't want any cheesy party songs like YMCA - right now I've got the following:

Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
Just Dance by Lada Gaga
Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge
Free Fallin' by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Just a Girl by No Doubt

You get the drift! Let me know any classic, fun songs (preferably that everyone will know and be inspired to sing along to!)


Movies - In February we got a Roku player for Ryan's birthday present - this allows us to watch movies instantly through Netflix on our television! Ryan has actually used it MUCH MORE than I have, simply because he's a movie junkie and I don't enjoy watching movies I've never heard or seen anything about. But this is such a cool concept! Netflix has a stash of favorites, such as Dirty Dancing and A League of Their Own and tons more, not to mention a lot of movies for kids. It's nice when I'm home alone at night to put an old favorite on, simply because I can watch without paying too close attention!


Books - Jodi Picoult is fabulous! She is the author of My Sister's Keeper which just recently came out in theatres! I haven't read it yet, simply because I fear the subject will be too painful right now, but I've read The Plain Truth and Salem Falls and they are both FANTASTIC! She has an amazing way of approaching the topic from all sides, so even days after I finish the book I'm thinking about another point-of-view and pondering the gray areas. If you're looking for a new author, I'd definitely check her out.

p.s. also finished Nora Roberts newest hardbook The Black Hills and as always, Roberts delivered!


Web Sites - Blogher.com is a giant venue for women everywhere to sound off about everything! Many of the blogs are extremely well-written and (although I don't use them) it provides chat rooms & social networking tools to connect with those that interest you! I enjoy reading them every now and again when I want to be inspired to write - it usually does the trick!


For Shannon - Some of you have heard me talk about The Tushy Book which we bought for Shannon back in April or May! Written by Fran Manushkin and illustrated by Tracy Dockray, it's all about (you guessed it!) tushies and includes super-cute lines like:

Every tushy's in the back!
Every tush has a crack!
Where would you put your underwear
If your tushy wasn't there?

Gotta love it! And Shannon saying "tushy" is about as cute as it gets!

I'm interested in hearing about your favorites, as well... Please feel free to share!


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