As an artist, I try to see movies that are inspiring. I just finished watching 'The Kite Runner', and am filled with a feeling of artistic satisfaction. I happened to come across information about the movie a few weeks ago when looking for movies to rent. It just came out on DVD March 25th, and I had Amazon.com pre-order one for me. Had to wait until I had the right mind-set to watch a serious drama, and last night was the night.
This movie is the story of two young boys that have a bond of friendship. It is based in Afghanistan I had no idea that Afghanistan was a beaufitul country back in the seventies. The culture and colors are intriguing. This was before the Communists of Russia occupied Afghanistan, and long before the Taliban moved in. Amir and Hassan are wonderful characters, so different yet have much in common. Kite flying is the towns pass time, and the cinematography of kite flying contest is breathtaking. The camera angles were inspiring for a photographer, yet enjoyed by all. You will fall in love with the characters and the storyline. The plot will pleasantly surprise you. It contains true accounts of racism, family, and times of war. This is a quality movie made of a quality book. The book was in the top 5 back in 2005. The movie has had great reviews by many critics.
I do have to warn you though, there are a few violent seens involving children (which is why it is PG-13.) And there is a woman stoned to death in a public arena-- so this is only for those that can handle such scenes. But the violence is brief, and only to portray the true way of life in the mid east culture. It will make you truly greatful for the life that we live here in the U.S.
You won't need tissue, well I didn't, but I definately sighed and had to gulp a few times at serious moments. The end result will leave you feeling glad you watched it though--you will feel educated and fulfilled, yet not too gloomy. Rent or buy it today, and enjoy the tale of the two boys lives.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
My Favorite Romantic Movies of All Time
My all time favorite romance movie would have to be 'Sweet Home Alabama'. The plot and the dialogue make my heart go 'oohh' every time I watch it. My daughter and I actually wore out the first DVD we had, and had to buy a second copy! The best line in the movie sums it up...the same line is used at the beginning of the movie and then at the end, just they change rolls of who says what. Both times though, the lines between Jake and Melanie are magical. "What would you want to be married to me for anyways?" and the response is "So I can kiss you any time I want!" It is a movie that ends the way the viewer wants it to...an ultimate happy ending.
Next would be 'Maid in Manhatten'. I can't help but love Jennifer Lopez films-- her character is always sassy and yet someone that I would want as a friend. The best love line in this one is where Marisa is trying to admit to Chris who she is and starts "The first time I saw you..." He cuts her off and says "you were mesmerizing" and kisses her right there by the fountain. Norah Jones plays "Come Away With Me" which adds the perfect touch to the scene, along with a gentle rain as they go back to his room.
Third in my top three is 'An American President'. Annette Bening and Michael Douglas have many tender moments together, yet also many conflicts which makes the chemistry even more connected. Annette's eyes twinkle in this movie, and she is a feisty yet loving character. Michael Douglas is a great father, and the President-- need I say more? Both qualities are sexy.
All three movies have great cinematography throughout. The lighting during these key love scenes puts a sparkle in the actor and actress's eyes, that makes you feel the magic that they feel. Anytime a movie hits the mood lighting correctly to put that sparkle in the eyes, I am drawn to it. I am a sucker for the twinkle lights in their eyes!
Next would be 'Maid in Manhatten'. I can't help but love Jennifer Lopez films-- her character is always sassy and yet someone that I would want as a friend. The best love line in this one is where Marisa is trying to admit to Chris who she is and starts "The first time I saw you..." He cuts her off and says "you were mesmerizing" and kisses her right there by the fountain. Norah Jones plays "Come Away With Me" which adds the perfect touch to the scene, along with a gentle rain as they go back to his room.
Third in my top three is 'An American President'. Annette Bening and Michael Douglas have many tender moments together, yet also many conflicts which makes the chemistry even more connected. Annette's eyes twinkle in this movie, and she is a feisty yet loving character. Michael Douglas is a great father, and the President-- need I say more? Both qualities are sexy.
All three movies have great cinematography throughout. The lighting during these key love scenes puts a sparkle in the actor and actress's eyes, that makes you feel the magic that they feel. Anytime a movie hits the mood lighting correctly to put that sparkle in the eyes, I am drawn to it. I am a sucker for the twinkle lights in their eyes!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Bagpipers, special effects, and my friend Patty, oh my!
Click on image to enlarge.
Click on image to enlarge.
Click on image to enlarge.
Last weekend (March 22nd), I photographed a fun wedding with Jill and Gary at the Kierland Resort. The bagpiper brought tears to a few eyes, including mine (bride's father had liked bagpipers, and had sent one from heaven.) It was an emotional day, but a great one!
Some people might say that special effects on the computer to images is a way to cheat-- but I say that it adds to the mood and the feeling of each image. I don't do it often, but on a few photos per wedding I do when it calls to me. Here is a before and after of such an image. I like the 'before' but love the 'after'. What do you think?
My friend Patty, a wedding photographer, was kicking up her heels at this wedding as well. It is nice (as a photographer) to go and enjoy a wedding as a guest to be free of responsibility. Her and her husband had fun, as did the rest of the guests. What a magical evening! Great to see Patty there, and my friend JoLinda Moore, also! Almost forgot, my old elementary school friend, Craig, was the d.j., and my friend, Robert Goldstein, was the videographer. It was a small world at the wedding!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Laura Macias & Mike Slatten's September 15th wedding.
A festive and colorful day! Click on above image to enlarge.
Laughter makes the heart grow fonder!
I want to share one of my favorite photos from the fall. Photojournalism is always intriguing when the ceremony is full of emotions. Most would think of tears of joy when picturing emotions of a ceremony, yet this one shows that laughter is often a huge part of the event. I believe that families that laugh together are stronger and happier. If I am right, Laura and Mike Slatten (of Cypress, Texas) will have a great big family together. These big laughs were after the mom's battled against the wind when lighting the candles. Arizona only has windy Saturdays when a unity candle is planned at an outdoor ceremony! Laura and Mike's moms hugged as they celebrated winning the battle of the flame, as well as uniting their families. Their day at the Millenium was hot but beautiful, and ended with a 'sparkling' farewell! Congratulations to Mike and Laura!
I have 3 different friends that live in Texas and plan to visit there in the near future. And now I know Laura and Mike as well. Laura and Mike-- let me know when you plan on having a stork visit, and I will try to come visit then, too!
See above post to view more images from their wedding. It was back on September 15th, 2007 at the Millenium in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Check out this colorful, outdoor market!
If you are looking for a great way to spend the first part of your Saturdays, then Vincent's Camelback Marketplace is a must! For a couple years now, my family and I have gone to Vincent's Marketplace to meet up and spend time together. My Aunt Mary Lou and Uncle Jim started this tradition for us-- thank you, you guys! It is all outdoors (during the mid autumn thru spring), and has such great atmosphere that we have a great time every time. Everyone that goes is all about relaxing and enjoying their day-- very casual. They have tables throughout the parking lot of Vincent's restaurant, and lots of open tents for shade. It is completely relaxing and before you know it, it has been hours! Champagne and The Marketplace-- I am there!
The food. I don't even know how to describe it all. Such an array of possibilities to order from: crepes custom made to order, omelets as well; whole chickens roasted to perfection, lamb racks sauteed and to die for, shrimp skewers galore; pastries of paradise; sensational salads of the leafy type or pasta; wines, champagnes, fresh squeezed o.j., and french coffees; and his latest fascination is pizza (an outdoor pizza oven at which Vincent himself attends to like a kid with a new toy.) Sound expensive? Not! For $10 you can get yourself one amazing lunch or breakfast or actually both since the portions are generous. Can you tell I love it all? Yet I do have my favorites are the Ratatouille Pizza and the lamb.
The Marketplace also has a farmer's market where you can select your own strawberries, veggies, and more. My son, Tyler, says their strawberries are the best!
There are quite a few vendors there as well. They have everything from jewelry, French tablecloths, flowers, jam, honey, French soaps, herbs, designer handbagsolives, mustards, and so much more. Much of it is imported, and it is all colorful and a photographer's heaven. The quality and the prices are great.
I am writing this as a regular patron of the Marketplace. I enjoy spending both time and money there. No matter what your budget, you can enjoy this for any or every Saturday as a way to spend time with your family and friends. I wanted to share this because everything about Vincent's inspires me as an artist and an enthusiast of life.
Vincent's website is http://www.vincentsoncamelback.com/. If you go, please tell them you saw it on Tracy's blog (I am hoping for extra free pizza toppings!)
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