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Happy new year. :)
Another year has begun, another opportunity to be alive and live well. How lucky are we?
Over the past couple of weeks I have gone to the theater a few times to watch new movies that I have been looking forward to viewing, and while I will admit Jennifer Lopez's new movie Second Act wasn't at the top of my list, after seeing it, I am glad that I did. While there are a few clichés that any
mass media audience pleaser needs to have, it also includes some applaudable stereotype busters as well. From not including women vs. women as the conflict, not including a perfect happy ending (but still a happy ending for the protagonist), and including all shapes, sizes and ages of actresses, it is a fun film to watch with a worthwhile message. Lopez was co-producer of the film and, perhaps you will recognize this name as well when it comes to costume design - Patricia Field
(from the Sex and the City styling fame). The over-arching premise that is shared at the end of the film is something worth contemplating as well, and without spoiling the ending, the idea that we each have the opportunity to choose the life we want to live as we go forward in life each day, and each year is an awesome gift. Even if the choices lead us to making mistakes, we can always learn from them, apply them as we move forward and continue to make new
choices.
At this point, you may be asking, what were the other films you saw? I also enjoyed Mary Queen of Scots, and while I will save my detailed reasons for another post or Petit Plaisir, if you enjoy history, if you what to learn more about the unimaginable pressure and expectation of being a female monarch during the 16th century, and if you want to learn more
about Mary Queen of Scots (Queen Elizabeth I often receives most of the attention in films and Mary a brief mention of being killed by her first cousin, often called sisters), be sure to check out Irish actress Saoirse Ronan who play Mary fiercely and compassionately. The movie is directed by British Theatre director Josie Rourke and based on John Guy's biography Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart (released in 2005).
There are more films I still hope to see soon, but so far, the holiday has been wonderful to sit in the theater, nibble on some popcorn and enjoy.
And now to the extra lengthy and jam-packed weekly newsletter! Yep, this week's is MEGA in size as it includes two weeks worth of posts since the annual TSLL holiday is taken the last week of each year. You will find all of the Top Posts round-ups, a few extra posts, and this week's regular posts as well. I do hope you enjoy, oh, before I forget!
Speaking of TSLL's 2nd book, readers shared images of their very own books and moments of living simply luxuriously, and they are all compiled in a post shared below. I want to thank everyone who send me their photo either via email or Instagram. It was a joy to see, and I do hope you are enjoying the book as we step into what I know is going to be an awesome year. Wishing you a truly Bonne Année. Until next Friday, I'll see you on the blog!
