Lost in Living

Lost In Living from Paul Sanchez on Vimeo.

So a long time ago I mentioned a documentary that was in production about four women artists and how they balanced family life with creative life. Remember? Once this lovely movie called "Lost in Living" was released I bought the dvd and watched it over and over, nodding my head as I recognized the challenges and humor and conflicting priorities dance across the screen. In honor of International Women's Day, the creators of "Lost in Living" are streaming the movie for free on Vimeo through 8am Sunday. (Yay!) I am sorry to post another movie on the blog so soon, but this one is really worth the watch whether you are an artist or not. Any working mom, any stay at home mom, any mom will recognize pieces of themselves in the women in this film. I hope you get a chance to watch it. Enjoy!

The Magic of Ordinary Days

Above is a 2005 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie called "The Magic of Ordinary Days" starring Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich. Before you balk at the mention of Hallmark or scoff at the made-for-tv-ness, I assure you that if all television movies were this good, we wouldn't need theaters anymore. "The Magic of Ordinary Days" is well written, acted, and executed. There is no dead wood at all. Every character, every sentence of dialogue, every look--even the popular song the girls sing together while driving ("Smoke Gets in Your Eyes")--furthers the story. The acting is surprisingly subtle and powerful. The actors approach their roles in a thoughtful, quiet way. The lead characters are very different, but those differences are presented in a respectful way allowing the viewers to draw their own conclusions. And it's wholesome (yes, I said "wholesome" enough to watch with your children or parents without cringing, but the story is engaging and suspenseful. I dare you to watch it. It's one of my favorites!

Headlines

Yesterday was all jacked up. We took Robb to the ER early in the morning for a kidney stone. I think he passed it in the afternoon--he thinks it's still lurking in his bladder. Either way he's feeling better enough to go in to work this morning.

Almost Everything is Boinga is stuck in my head.

We might have a major ice apocalypse on Sunday. I hope not. We're supposed to have breakfast with Santa that day. Maybe Mo won't scream bloody murder this time. Fingers crossed.

I'm seeing Catching Fire this afternoon. Finally. And all is right in the world.


BOINGA!

Yes yes yes and yes

[edited to add]

I did not mean to drop a video on the blog and run. I intended to write more about it, but a toddler ate my homework. Like she does everyday. In good ways and in very frustrating ways. This video had me at hello. This is a trailer for a documentary that is in post-production right now called Lost in Living. The filmmakers followed two artists who are best friends from pregnancy through their first several years of parenting. And they also spoke with two artists with grown children about their parenting experience. This idea is so interesting to me. I wish I had money to donate to help with production, so I could see this film.

As the first woman in the trailer states, I feel as creative as ever, I'm full of ideas and excitement about art, but I am stuck in a car that doesn't go faster than second gear. And my creativity--when it has enough time and breathing room--is more mature and focused. The work, when I am able to do it, is really good. I think one of the most terrifying things about becoming a parent for me was wondering if I would ever have flow again.  I definitely have total immersion and enjoyment when I comes to being a mom, but the artwork is collecting dust most days. I think about it all the time.

We had a really nice visit with Rick and Theresa last month, which I intend to write more about. But I was embarrassed that their wonderful Christmas gift of encaustics from last year is sitting on the desk where it's been for months, untouched. Do they think I did not appreciate it? I hope not! It is a function of mommyhood that I haven't been able to dive fully into a new medium. Soon, maybe, soon...

Because it's Christmas

"But for now, let me say
Without hope or agenda
Just because it's Christmas
And at Christmas you tell the truth
To me, you are perfect
And my wasted heart will love you
Until you look like this."
[picture of a mummy]
"Merry Christmas.
Enough. Enough now."

You know what movie I haven't watched yet this year? Maybe it will be on tv. We're heading out later this morning to spend the weekend overeating with family. Merry Christmas!