I love a good movie.

Short and sweet two fab and one fun movie. In order?

Super 8
Midnight in Paris
Mr. Popper's Penguins

So, Super 8.
Love, love, love. I am not a middle school aged girl (or boy) but I was right in there with them, enjoying every move they chose. I'd see it again and then again. Here's a review from the reviewer I adore.

Next? Midnight in Paris.
There are definitely words to describe Woody Allen's brilliance, his faithfulness to the art, his dependable humor. But most always, I find myself just with him, enjoying where he's taking me in New York. But here we are, in Paris. And it's almost like he's cheating on New York. Then again, Paris and New York can often feel like the moveable centers of the universe, now can't they?

From the opening and establishing scenes that are like a photo journal of the beautiful city, Midnight in Paris is beautiful and fun and funny and so very thoughtful. Allen is true to the form I've loved in so many of his movies. I was moved many times and don't want to tell you one more thing except perhaps, "See it." And then of course, "I need to book a ticket for Paris immediately. My friend Janice is living there now and I'm all the more in with her in her travels. You can follow her at her blog. (Her writing is fun and inviting and wonderful.)

And finally, Poppers.
I went with my kiddos. The youngest drove the decision and it looked like it would be fun. I kept my expectations low because, well, Jim Carey can sometimes be just a tad bit over the top. I'm just sayin'. But it was quite a pleasant surprise. Penguins who communicated and didn't talk. Carey with lots of range and a very endearing turn. Cute kids and good silliness.
I'll see it again when it comes to a TV near me. It's recommendable.

Now, go see a movie! And let me know about your faves! 

Family Royalty - Sandra Hubbell Sanders

For me it will always be true that this woman, my Aunt Sandy, is the most beautiful woman in the world.

As a little girl she was family royalty. My lovely aunt with smiles and hugs and fun and the very best handwriting.

When I was a teenager she was the girl I wanted to look like. When I became a mom she's the one who notices a few grays after I had my son and told me to color it. (No boy should have a gray mom.) I took her advice, copied her handwriting (for a while) and took on all the joy she shared with me.

I'm sad to say, she passed away a week ago in her beloved San Juan Islands.

I like to think she's having tea with Lady Di, Grace Kelly and Jackie Onassis and her USC Delta Gamma sorority sisters.

Well, Hello.

Summer's here!
I'm for that.

Things have slowed. One of my peops is in football camp, the other is in scrapbook camp.

I've worked a couple of these quieter summer days in my quiet office. The phone doesn't ring so much and I'm enjoying a bit of uninterrupted thinking.

Then today, I stayed home and took on a scary cupboard. (I have several of them and I plan to have none by the end of July.) I found many wonderful things. Because of scrapbook camp, I was searching to organize scrapbook treats. The cupboard had kidnapped and was holding hostage several blocks of paper, note cards and the like. Oh! And also, some darling pix. This is one of my all time favorites. My Sweet Pea in preschool. It was a whole school ago and this pic has withstood the test of time. It always brings a warm burst to my heart. Her teacher, Mrs. Naraki, one of the most visually creative people I know, took the pic. It came to me in framed a glittered Popsicle stick frame complete with a yarn hanger. It's a treasure.

It reminds me of sweet days and happy girls and that's really Summer's all about isn't it?