December 15, 2010

Some Favorite Movies ... Way Old but, GOOD!

Okay, so I am going to share with you some of my very favorite movies ... some are way old but hey, even though they may not be 'classics' they are great to me!

The Air Up There is a fun Kevin Bacon film sports film that's really more a culture-clash comedy and since we lived in Africa it was really cool to see the street and village scenes.  He plays an assistant coach at the college-basketball level who's looking for that big, big recruiting score and finds it in a distant African village.







Tom Selleck ... whoohoo, need I say more? Seriously, Quigley Down Under has been a family favorite for years. Selleck plays Matthew Quigley, the cowboy hero in this basically Western film, but, with a twist it's set in gorgeous Australia. The story has interesting twists and turns with some scenes that are truly heartbreaking, exciting, and just overall memorable. You'll be laughing, crying and rooting for the good guy! I love it, from beginning to end! If you've never seen it or not added it to your own library, get it today 'cause, it's a keeper.






Oh me, oh my I LOVE these two films!

The first time I saw The Man From Snowy River, was on a luxury bus in Argentina with about 30 or so others as we were heading up to a missionary retreat. Our three big kids were just little guys then and we were on our way to beautiful Cordoba. Oh, yeah, the movie ... well, it wasn't the best of circumstances for watching a pretty intense, exciting, wonderful movie but I enjoyed it enough to realize I would be watching it again. When I did, I loved it! (and every time I watch it I remember the ones around me the first time ... ah, good times)

The story is captivating, the landscapes are gorgeous and some of the scenes are absolutely spectacular. If you ever loved horses or are a sucker for a good love story, then you will for sure love these films. You know how some sequels are just not as good as the first? Well, with these, Return to Snowy River, is not a disappointment.
These are definitely a great add to any home collection!











Okay this next one is a fav of so many people - and if you love this movie, you probably have some lines memorized ... it's a classic love story full of swash-buckling adventure, sword-play, intense drama and the inevitable happily ever after ...

Mike Stone's review put it well ...."So now that I am 27 instead of 13, and know back-to-front the filmmographies of all the actors involved, and have seen the film more than a dozen times, and can quote lines from it at the drop of a hat, do I find it any less appealing than on that first viewing? Of course not. Goldman and Reiner's film rewards multiple viewings, with its wit, its playfulness, and most importantly, its subversiveness. Will there ever be a time when I tire of watching it? A time like that is right now, as Vizzini might say, "inconceivable" ... "
 Our family has seen The Princess Bride numerous times and will without a doubt do so again. Surely, you have this movie already but just in case you don't, then hurry, don't delay, get it today!

Okay, here is one you may not have heard of - it's a Hallmark film - we used to be a part of their club - and we got some great selections in our library during that time. My sister, Jonell, was Downs Syndrome and so, I have always had a soft spot for films that deal with special needs people and their caregivers.

 The Boys Next Door,  is truly a lovely story ... it takes you into the home of 4 very dear men  and their social worker (Tony Goldwyn - it's so cool to see him in this role after his evil role in Ghost) and lets you see a little of the life they live. The acting is superb ... I mean, just incredible. The actors that play the roles of these mentally challenged people ... well, this had to be a role of a life-time for each of them.

I LOVE this movie and you will too. 




I just mentioned another of the best films of all times ....



Ghost is a movie I will always love. Romance, high drama, mystery, intrigue, a little bit of horror, and of course, Whoopi Goldberg is fabulous, and provides the wonderful comic relief in the story, as a con artist who finds herself with a 'gift' to give.

The film is rated PG-13 because of scenes of violence and yep, there's the very sensuous clay sculpting scene to the tune of "Unchained Melody"(who can ever forget that?!)

If you have already seen this movie, and know it's one that you will watch over and over then, this great DVD is a bargain. If you haven't seen it, it's well worth a try and will keep everybody involved for the entire length of the film.

Go for it and enjoy!
On the lighter side ... every so often I love a good old-fashioned comedy ... and this is what this next one is. 
The Gods Must Be Crazy is pretty much a one-of-a-kind film. I really don't think it was expected to become the international hit that it was ... but that's what happened. If you're one of the few who have not seen this 1980 (released in 1984 in the U.S.) riveting tale set in Africa then you have really, truly missed out! There is really 3 stories going on at once ... story one involves a bushman whose discovery of a Coke bottle causes all kinds of mishaps among his tribe, story two concerns an awkward romance between a clumsy field scientist and a sweet, pretty schoolteacher, and the third plot involves a group of terrorists on the run. Slapstick, satire, romance, violence--it's all here in a somewhat silly but entertaining movie. 






There was a sequel, The Gods Must Be Crazy II that followed four years later. Jamie Uys, who produced and directed the film, has a small cameo in the beginning as the reverend who asks Steyn to go pick up Ms. Thompson.

These two movies put one in mind of the old slap-stick comedies of days and days gone by.

Definitely, both make for a great family evening of fun times!






Now this next one is so much fun and I love, love, love it ... the first time I saw it I was so pleased with our evening out. It was such a good date for Lowell and me and if anyone is going to make the effort to go out then you definitely don't want to be disappointed with your choice of movie. I remember leaving the theater smiling. So, buying this for your home library is a good selection!



 Crocodile Dundee makes for a evening of delight. It's a feel-good, old-fashioned love story that is filled with the unexpected, moves at a fast pace and is highly entertaining.


If you love the character, Paul Hogan, you need this boxset. Our kids grew up watching this movie so it holds a special place in our hearts. Great comedy along with fun, family feel-good. It's a winner.



The sequels were just OK in my opinion – they're basically all about the absurdity of Dundee's antics and Hogan is great throughout – just no real depth.




Well, that's all for today - just a few oldies but definite goodies. Hope you enjoy!

December 11, 2010

No Family Library Is Complete Without ...

The Chronicles of Narnia! Oh, man, when I first read the Chronicles of Narnia I was enthralled. I would finish one and couldn't wait to get to the next. I still love them and actually am going to read them again as soon as our son finishes reading them for the second time. He started just last week - there are a few of them he's read even 3 times.

My husband read these out loud to the kids when they were little. I had gone back to school and he had several nights in the week he had to do the whole bedtime routine with them himself. We we read out loud to all the kids when they were younger and these books were by far some of the family favorites.



Not only did we love the books, we went as a family to the movie of the Lion, the Witch and theWardrobe on Christmas day in 200 - that is a cool memory for me. It was the last Christmas when it was just the 6 of us ... you know, before the kids all grew up, left home, got married ... well, Jake's still with us (hooray) and it's just the girls that are married, but Jared is off fighting forest fires ... anyway, we LOVED the first movie! We were not disappointed in the least.
But, really, do get the books if you haven't already and start reading!!

Isn't Amazon Great?

We have bought books from Amazon for years! I think it's great that books can flow from one owner to the next and keep being valued. If you notice, I have listed some really great bargains - I'm not sure I'll receive anything back from sharing these except for the knowledge that I referred you to something worthy.

Of course, other books are a little more costly but worth it! We have our share of paper backs but then again we have quite a few of hard covers too. Some books you just know you're going to enjoy for years and years and it's worth it to buy the best.

Anyway, just thought I'd let you know, this isn't all about what I'll get out of this myself. I am truly making suggestions that I know will enhance your home.

Blessings and Happy Reading!

December 10, 2010

One Of My Very, Very Favorite Books!

There's a few books that I just have to say are on the tippy top of my list of favorites. This is undoubtedly one of them. I am not even sure how I got the copy that is mine. I have had it so many years and it is worn and torn - I mean I literally had to make a new back page cover for it. I've read it numerous times and so have my kids, and I loan it out - it always comes back. If I lost it for good, I'd have to replace it.
The book is  ...
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax and this is the first of a good number of adventures she'll be a part of.
The book takes you by surprise, is well-written and your involved in it before you know it. The story takes such unexpected turns and twists! It's great and I love it - you will too. Just thinking of Mrs. Pollifax adventures makes me smile.


I remember one time I loaned my copy of this book to a lady friend from church and she loved it so much that she ended up ordering every Mrs. Pollifax book there is so she could take them with her on a trip to Australia. She said she knew she would have down time and times of waiting at the airports, etc and she wanted to be able to have something good to read.

So, here, take a look at some of her other adventures ... I've read them all at least once and probably will again! I'm guessing there's at least 10 more. All terrific!



Some Books Just Make You Feel Good!

I love feel-good books. Sometimes I like suspenseful readings and sometimes educational but I love, love, love my feel-good books. Like ... The Mitford Years series by Jan Karon.

I read my first Mitford book way back maybe even 10 years ago ... and I loved it! I fell in love with the town, the people, and when I finished, I wanted more!

We live here in Honduras now and unfortunately we weren't able to bring very many of our books with us. Last month a co-missionary loaned me her set of Mitford books. I was so excited. I loved reading each book but as I would get to the end I was sad too - knowing I was one book closer to the end of the series ... oh no! No more Mitford!

I may be a little prejudiced, being from North Carolina myself. The landmarks are familiar to me, the people seem like my people and I just felt at home. However, judging by their popularity over the years, I am not along in my prejudice of believing these books are some of the best ever and should be a part of every family's library.

Homeshooling Is Cool

I know homeschooling isn't for everyone but for our family it was a perfect fit. We've been a part of so many great experiences all because we chose to school at home. Granted, it was a given that we'd choose this avenue of education during our years in Nigeria. It was either school the kids at home or send them off to boarding school and to me that wasn't an option.

In the course of 20 years we have run across any number of favorite books. Some curriculum suggest books to buy and then there are always homeschool fairs or conferences that have great booths to find treasures. I want to share one with you now.

Writers INC is a fabulous book in providing clear and excellent explanations of grammar, sentence construction, and does a great job in guiding the student through report and research writing. It's fun to read, interesting, and has lots of perks, like additional information that just helps in life - communication skills and getting along. It teaches the student how to get the most out of their reading and then turn it around and apply it to their own writing.

Writers INC : A Student Handbook for Writing and Learning  
 In my book, it's a Keeper long after the kids leave home - that is if it doesn't go to college with our last one!


I Love Motivational Books!


I guess my Dad started me on Motivational books when I was a kid. He was a fan and dedicated reader of Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller and others.

On my own I've gathered quite a collection of this genre. I basically love them all and have read several a number of times over the years. However, I probably have a front-runner and I've got to share this one with you.

The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews is a fabulous read and also, makes a perfect gift for anyone on any occasion. If you've not been introduced to Mr. Andrews before then I am delighted to allow you the chance to meet him!





Our family also bought Sawyerton Springs and now he has written Return to Sawyerton Springs ... these are so wonderful to read. They're fun, interesting and have you laughing until your sides hurt! 

Classic Mysteries Are the Best!

I'm a sucker for a good mystery read. Since my single days I have loved Agatha Christie mysteries. Whether it's Miss Marple or Poirot you choose, you know you're in for some fun hours of intrigue and suspense. I've always had several Christie mysteries on our shelves and have read so many! She must have written a 100 books well actually, according to wiki.answers she wrote 91 ...
+ 82 as Agatha Christie
+ 6 under the pen name Mary Westmacott
+ 2 as Christie Mallowan
+ her autobiography  = 91 total  but still WOW! 
Here are some of my favorites ... if you've not ever read an Agatha Christie mystery ... well, shame on you! Buy one, two or three today and get started; you will not be sorry! These are an excellent addition to anyone's home library.




One of My Most Favorite Characters ... Anne!

I have to say, Anne (with an e) is absolutely one of most favorite characters ever!

If you have never read the Anne of Green Gables series you have missed out on some of the best tales available!

Anne Shirley is a redheaded 11-year-old girl who you fall in love with almost as soon as you meet her. She feisty, dramatic, funny, and full of imagination. These are stories of a gentler time in history - they call to our spirits and make us homesick for days that used to be.

Lucy Maud Montgomery's series of books about Anne have remained classics since the early 20th century. Her portrayal of this feminine yet independent spirit has given generations of girls a strong female role model, while offering a taste of another, milder time in history.

Some books are made to read over and over again. That's how it is with the Anne series. Our box set has lived with us on 3 continents and several states and has been read by me and all the kids more than once.

You know how you can read a book and then see the movie and you're disappointed? Or maybe it's the other way around ... the movie is great and you don't want to read the book and spoil it.



Well, let me tell you here, the Anne of Green Gables books are truly delightful. And ... the Anne of Green Gables: The Collection of movies ....well, you will not be disappointed! How in the world they were able to match up the characters, the settings, the stories so accurately is truly amazing.

Each of these purchases will enhance any home, bringing hours of pure delight and enjoyment. 

Building Your Library - with 2 Chronicle Series ...



I love the Spiderwick Chronicles! They were an easy read but fun and the illustrations are delightful!

My son actually got the gift set several years ago and I decided to read them this week. Averaged one book per night and there are only 5 so, I'm done! Maybe that was too fast.

Anyway, I am already wishing we had the Guide to go along with them. This is a great buy ... maybe there's someone in your family who would love this for Christmas! They may be for kids but parents can read them too.






Before grabbing the Spiderwick books I had just finished these 2 wonders.

Many of you are probably already familiar with this husband and wife team of authors. They have a monstrous collection of writings and the time period of these particular books is that of New Testament, the latter days of Christ's ministry. The story revolves around a young blind beggar named Peniel but you also find yourself moving through the lives of several people at once. Just when you can't wait to find out what is going to happen you're in another town, different circumstances and you press on just to see what happened where you were.

These are well written and full of detail - you really feel you're walking the streets, and get caught up in the emotions of the people.  As opposed to Spiderwick, A.D. Chronicles are definitely not a light read.

 There are more in the A.D. Chronicle series ... and you won't want to stop with these!