Author: Jen Manglos
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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…
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I Hate Online Dating – August 26, 2013
I hate online dating. As I consider this sentiment, I wonder if anyone actually likes to be on an online dating site. I’m trying to imagine a person who is over the moon to be on eHarmony. She’s jumping up and down, “Woooo, online dating is the best!” This is just funny, right? I’m sitting…
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Facebook…It’s a Good Thing? – August 23, 2013
I’ve been mulling over the implications of Facebook recently. Actually, I must give credit to a friend who approached me in June, wondering if I’d considered writing a piece on the social media site. She mentioned how much going on Facebook stirred up jealousy for her, especially seeing those friends who were getting married, having…
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Comedic Creativity – August 21, 2013
Do you ever have a moment when you realize something about yourself? I’ve been having those moments a lot this summer. Mostly recently I have come to the realization that I really enjoy comedians. Specifically, I enjoy hearing about their process of creativity and have been reading various books by comedians. Miranda Hart. David Sedaris…
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Alive – August 19, 2013
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…
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Don’t Be So Picky! – August 16, 2013
“You shouldn’t be so picky.” Earlier this week I was over at my folks’ house before heading out for a private retreat (to my favorite retreat house in the desert). On my way out I stopped by the gas station around the corner to fill up my tank and grab some chocolate (you never know…
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When Two Don’t Become One – August 14, 2013
Warning: The blog gives away plot points to the film “Roman Holiday” and “Once”. I realize the former has been out for decades. Still, if you don’t want to be spoiled, then don’t read this piece. Yesterday, I had the gift of a day off – my first full day off in two weeks. I…
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This is Not the End – August 12, 2013
This… is NOT… the end! This bride, you and I will rise, come alive like third day morning first breaths of Christ! These words broke open my heart this morning. I felt disconnected today and couldn’t quite get at what I was feeling. My very absence of feelings was telling. I sat down to respond…