Month: December 2013
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Dating from a Male Perspective – September 26, 2013
I’ve mentioned my brother here before on the blog as well as had him do some modeling for a post about online dating profiles. But today I’m picking his brain for thoughts on dating, from the male perspective. First though, let’s back up a bit. My brother is 8 years younger than me (though you’d never know now). He…
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Fabulous Fall – September 24, 2013
Today I bought my first pumpkin of the season. It was an exciting, impulsive moment. I was tempted to buy some gourds as well, but decided to wait until my next trip to Trader Joe’s. I think fall may very well be my favorite season. Now, I’m not just saying that because it is, in…
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Don’t Get Stuck in the Past – September 19, 2013
Last Friday I watched “Midnight in Paris” with a couple of friends. I’ve seen this film a few times and had just purchased it on DVD. The story largely revolves around a man who has idealized the past, to be precise, has idealized Paris in the 1920’s. And to be sure, there is much to…
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The Importance of Remembering – September 17, 2013
Yesterday I finally got around to seeing “The Butler.” While I had mixed thoughts on the film overall (although it was absolutely worth seeing solely for Forest Whitaker’s performance), I really appreciated how it invited the audience to remember. Part of the story follows Whitaker’s son, who is a key player in the Civil Rights…
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Still Frustrated – September 12, 2013
Last month I posted on how much I hate online dating. Guess what? I still do. I don’t know if it’s me, but I feel frustrated with the whole process. I get sick of reading profile after profile, each one sounding exhaustingly the same as the others. And the site I’m on has these stupid…
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Turning a Corner – September 10, 2013
I turned a corner this summer. To be honest, I didn’t think it was possible. The year preceding it felt sad and lonely and confined. It seemed to stretch on forever without end. I actually don’t think I realized how hard this year was until now, as I look back upon it. It’s funny how…
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Remembering Syria – September 6, 2013
Last Sunday, Pope Francis called the Catholic church together to pray and fast on behalf on Syria this Saturday, September 7. I may not be a baptized Catholic, but I plan to join in on praying with my Catholic brothers and sisters. I’ve been praying for this dear country the last few months and it…
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What Are You Trying To Say? – September 4, 2013
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…
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It’s Too Hot Outside to Write – August 30, 2013
It’s Jen, the delinquent poster, here. I’m sorry, but the combination of coordinating an overnight retreat and hot, humid (for California) weather, results in no legitimate post from me. Instead I chose to hibernate in my room last night next to the air conditioning watching “Call the Midwife.” Later, my roommate and I caught up,…
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End it Well – August 28, 2013
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…