Tuesday Movie: If I Stay

Last night, I wanted nothing more than to sit down in the old LaZ Boy chair and watch a movie. I haven't been able to do that for awhile due to school, work, writing, kids, dog, husband, and other stuff that might bore you to tears. So anyway, as I was perusing the Netflix selections, I remembered a post I saw on

Rosemary Clement's

Facebook wall about

the movie 

If I Stay.

She really enjoyed the story and was brought to tears on several occasions, so I figured I'd check it out. It's about death, after all, so by watching it, I can kill two birds with one stone.

So, long story short, I watched it with my husband. It's hard to talk about this movie without giving away major spoilers, so I will just say that I enjoyed it. As the credits rolled, it made me think of the choice I would make if I were in Mia's shoes. All I will say is that I'd probably go for a non-Hollywood ending, but that's just me and I'm middle-aged. I might have a different answer if I were 18. If you decide to check it out, have a box of Kleenex handy and maybe a nice person to share the popcorn with.

Have you seen it? Which scene was harder for you?  The grandpa or the boyfriend?

Being Mortal

During my weekly trek to the library, I checked out this DVD.  Last night I watched it with my daughter. She left in the middle, as she said it was too sad. I didn't think it was particularly sad, but perhaps I'm a little more used to these kind of shows. It was interesting to hear doctor's perspectives on how they address end of life conversations with their patients. From what this doc says, it's not a conversation that they are particularly comfortable with. They are trained to save, not surrender.

I have added Dr. Atul Gawande's book

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

to my read list.

Have you read any good books lately?

It's Been a Long Time...

Since I've rock and rolled. Or written on this blog. So what have I been up to?  Well, I am back in school, which is my favorite place to be. If I could be a professional student when I grow up, that would be my profession. Go Mean Green!

August is my birthday month, so in addition to attending Rare Book School at UCLA for a week, I got to take a little side trip to the Museum of Death located on Hollywood Blvd.

There it is.  It looked different at night.  Ooooh spooky skeleton!

What can I say about this odd little place?  After taking a class about displaying rare books and ephemera, I would have to say that the Museum of Death needs to work on their exhibition skills. Their display is a hot (not to mention disgusting) mess. Yes, this museum is all about death, but only sensationalized, serial-killer type death.  I felt guilty bringing my friend along for the trip. I also felt dirty just being there--physically and mentally. Yuck is all I have to say.

But, on my way back to the parking lot, I spied Vincent Price's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Yeah, I know.  It's a bad photo and you can't read his name.  But there I am with my old lady glasses.

I have a sneaking suspicion that people no longer read this blog, but if you do, let's talk.  I would like to restart my Monday Mourning posts.  Everyone has a story.  What's yours?

I will leave you with a song that was much better than the Museum of Death.

Enjoy.