See this film - The Artist

  
Love.

See this film - Tree of Life

This film is amazing. It looks beautiful. It sounds gorgeous. The acting is superb. But, do yourself a favor and read about the film before you watch it. Recommended if you enjoy considering existential questions and memoirs about childhood experiences. Love, LOVE this film.

Wes Anderson's new film

 Can't wait.

Best Books 2011

Fiction


A Visit From the Goon Squad by  Jennifer Egan
State Of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Emily Alone by Stewart O'Nan
So Much Pretty by Cara Hoffman
Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson


Honorable Mention - The Paris Wife by Paula McLain


Non-Fiction


The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Lit by Mary Karr
The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok
Where is the Mango Princess by Cathy Crimmins
Made in Detroit by Paul Clemens


Honorable Mention - Rainbow Pie by Joe Bageant


Other Distinguished books


Short Stories - Swim Back to Me by Ann Packer
Graphic work - My Perfect Life by Lynda Barry 

quotable

“In other words what culture demands of us in our reading is simply
a heightened sense of the grandeur of the epic of human life upon earth.”
 - John Cowper Powys

Image: I took this the other day on the walking trail with my iPhone.

book magic

Enjoy!

Martha, I am not

Fireplace mantle for January

If I was to select a word for my intention for 2012, it would be potential. I'm going to focus on creativity this year in all aspects of my life. I believe I have the potential to be a much more creative person.

This brings me to this photo I just took of my fireplace mantle. Usually, after taking down Christmas decor, I feel a little bleh. So, I thought the other day, why not decorate for winter? -- (although winter has not yet arrived here in northern California). I came up with this idea using things we already have.

Do you decorate your house for January/winter? How important is creativity in your life?