This dazzling city comes to life before my eyes, with space ships, a vibrant city life, and technology so advanced that it’s hard to even fathom. I gaze in wonder, eager for more glimpses of this afro-futurist city. This place does not exist. Like many, I went to see Black Panther this weekend – P.S. […]
Stories are all about tension. I mean, who would sit down and watch a movie without some sort of tension? I attended this fabulous story workshop a couple of years ago. In it I learned that at its most basic level, a story is about a person who wants one particular thing, and then through […]
Schmancy Toast By Jen Manglos Who doesn’t like toast? Despite gluten’s recent bad rap, toast remains a simple, tasty breakfast food. Of course, it all depends upon the toppings. Just butter? Meh. But add some fresh jam or peanut butter and you have a delicious way to start your day. Now, I haven’t had toast […]
Like many, I was saddened to hear the news of Robin William’s suicide this week. In light of this news, we are given a glimpse into the deeper reality of his life. While he made many laugh, he himself suffered greatly. My dad noticed yesterday that the phrase being used on the news is “he […]
His eyes grew large in wonder and he almost gasped. He was in awe. But of what? All I could see was the wall, a window and curtains. Surely nothing gasp-worthy. I inquired of his mom: What’s caught his attention? She replied that the difference between light and darkness typically caused him to look in […]
I was amazed this week to discover a connection between two seemingly opposite films: Groundhog Day and Enchanted April. I know. But hear me out. Lately I’ve noticed how often I see my life through a certain lens. In that lens I am playing out the same stories over and over. I feel stuck in […]
When I was little I had a book that would document my growing up. Kind of like a baby book, but for when your child gets older. It was divided by school grade and each year would ask questions like: Height? Activities? Favorite foods? But my favorite question was: What do you want to be […]
I love a good story, don’t you? One of my favorite ways to connect with others is to tell our stories. It just seems to happen when people gather. I think that so much of what we share is corralled into little narratives that we in turn offer to others. This is all an eloquent […]
Namaste. Five years ago that word stirred up very specific feelings within me. Excitement. This enthusiasm was connected to the expectation of a new episode of “Lost.” I was very much swept up into the “Lost” universe, eagerly awaiting each new episode, biding my time by listening to not one, but three podcasts dedicated to […]
You know how in “The Matrix” Keanu Reeves couldn’t see the Matrix, but by the end of the film (spoiler alert) he could see everyone in code? I’m starting to feel that way with story structure. The more I learn about and internalize narrative, the more I can’t help but seeing it everywhere I go. Last […]
One of my biggest pet peeves with films the last few years is the inability for the filmmaker to end it well. Now, I don’t mean tack on a happy ending. Rather, I mean, a good ending that fits with the film as a whole. I saw a movie yesterday with my family and was […]
I’ll never forgot that moment. Lying down in bed, inhaling the scent of night blooming jasmine wafting through the room, and feeling unbelievably content. It was the end of one of the most challenging weeks in my life. One that you could not pay me enough to re-live. In 7th grade my school had a […]