Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Run to see this!

I got the chance to see a sneak preview of Bella, a heart-warming and AMAZING movie that's opening in select cities THIS weekend.

You guys- it's awesome. It's a beautiful story with deep characters. The story challenges the audience to redefine love and consider issues bigger than themselves. There's love, friendship, loss, family and cultural issues that are all boldly, but sensitively addressed.

This is the director's first film and it won at the Toronto Film Festival last year. The director is Hispanic and is following a heart cry to portray Latinos in a positive light and get away from the Hollywood-slapped stereotypical roles.

Similarly, the lead actor had a conversion experience four years ago and decided to only PLAY positive characters (he's Latino also). Before his conversion experience, he played typical "negative" roles and became HUGE in Mexico- a "heart throb" for good reasons. For four years prior to Bella he was out of work and turned down several multi-million dollar contracts because of his refusal to take part in another movie where Latinos are negatively portrayed.

The Executive Producer, Sean Wolfington, spoke at the sneak preview I attended and he's fired up about this movie. Wolfington also produced Braveheart and Passion of the Christ. There are hopes and predictions that Bella will be huge. There are a lot of Christians who are behind the scenes of this movie. However, the movie doesn't have that hokey, low budget or cheesy feel. It's the real deal.

The acting is amazing, story is beautiful, and message is provoking.

You can read a little more about the folks behind the scenes.

GO GO GO see it!!! Support it on its opening weekend!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Broken Computer

My computer is on bedrest, hence my absence.

Tuesday was World Food Day and I attended an event in the Russell Senate building. The event was hosted by the Senate Hunger Caucus and partnered with World Vision and the North American Miller's Association. It was a "luncheon" of sorts. The event highlighted Acting on AIDS and various food movements that are making a difference in global hunger.

At the event, we partook of the Broken Bread Poverty Meal, which is a simple porridge meal that is an example of what is fed to poorer people throughout the world. During the meal (a bowl of porridge and water), we were told sobering, true-life stories of hunger and pain. There were stories of prostitution, declining health due to AIDS (caused by prostitution or unfaithful husbands), and orphans. All situations had a common denominator- they were ultimately caused by hunger. Acting on AIDS also shared that "nutrition levels have been found to be directly correlated to the effectiveness of treatments for chronic diseases such as AIDS."

It was very effective and I walked away with a greater appreciation of what these movements are doing. It was a more than appropriate way to observe World Food Day.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Been a while...

I realize that I haven't posted any updates in a while. This is mostly because I've been busy and partly because I've been lazy in my "down" time.

I have been running solid for about two weeks. If I wasn't in NC, then I was committed to something every night of the week. Between dinner dates, the Pregnancy Center, and Leadership Group, there's been little time in the evenings.

Tonight is the last night that I have an obligation in the evening for a solid week! Yay!

I went to NC last weekend. About 75% of my time was spent with Michael. The other (itty bitty) percentage was spent with friends, family, and my pillow.

Mike took us to my favorite restaurant, Bianca's, on Friday night. I love it because of their fresh, rotating menu. The Italian food is authentic and the atmosphere cozy. Plus, it's one where acoustics don't interfere with conversation.

On Saturday, Mike and I spent the afternoon together. We mostly piddled in the yard and just enjoyed one another's company. That evening, we met Mallory and Dave before joining Mike's family at the fair. His sisters and brother in law were there. It was a fun evening! I've included a few pictures for your viewing delight.

On Sunday afternoon, after church, Mike and I went to lunch with his parents and sister, Jessica. We tried a new (to us) restaurant that was buffet style. The food was fresh and tasty. I enjoyed the company and casual conversation. After parting from them, he and I bought some flowers for his yard. We let the day cool, while passing time inside. Then, we got to work planting them in spots throughout the yard. Delicate touches were added around the mailbox and near the driveway.

"It looks like a girl lives here now," he said with a smile and hand squeeze.

I enjoyed that comment. My hopes are that THIS girl will live there one day...

After our hard work, we had a yummy meal and the evening was done. I'm looking forward to simple Sundays like that.