King Solomon's Mines

This is a GREAT movie! Gorgeous color, shot on location in Africa, riveting story, adventure, lots of natives, animals, scenery, etc. It's based on a book - so I'll have to put that on my list (after Treasure Island).

I got this at my public library (as usual). I dropped off the Muppet movie and was looking for something to watch on the weekend. The library was ready to close so I ended up grabbing this one. Turned out to be a good choice.

When I got home, I put it on intending to watch it over a few days but I got hooked and ended up watching the entire thing. I may watch again before returning it.

I think this might be an interesting choice to play during February's Black History month. The natives are portrayed very positively although the colonialism and white man's burden aspects are obviously present (but that was the history).

I highly recommend this movie. If you watch it, I hope that you will let me know what you think.

Muppet Treasure Island

As you may recall from previous posts (1934 Movie and 1950 Movie), I am sort of in a Treasure Island mode. During a search at my local library, I discovered that the video tape version of a Muppet Treasure Island had disappeared. The library graciously purchased a DVD version without my even having to request; and they put it on hold for me.

Unfortunately, the movie is terrible! Tim Curry plays the Long John Silver role in a very campy style. Some unknown boy who sings like a girl plays the Jim Hawkins role. This version plays down the relationship between the two, in fact there is quite a distance between them. This sort of blows the whole story. Usually the Muppets spoof the movies but this was not that funny, the songs not that good, and the story was warped.

If you're thinking this version might be a good way to introduce the book to a child, I think it will be counterproductive.

A Bundle from Heaven

This weekend, I celebrated another birthday. It is always good to be around to celebrate your birthday. I was blessed to spend this birthday with my family. My only regret is that my mom lives several hundred miles away and we could not be together. However, thank God for the telephone. And thank God for my siblings (and their families) who called and left birthday greetings. I love your singing!

The picture above was taken shortly after my birth. You can tell that was a few years ago because the picture is in black & white and that is because that was the only choice at the time. I have a couple more from the same session but I think this one actually looks like me!

I was the first born of the 12 children that my parents gave the world. My mother was 25 when I was born; my father was a printer for Judson Printing Company.  My entire family was born at St. John Hospital in Cleveland.

One of my most prized possessions is from my maternal grandmother. It is the announcement from my parents that they are expecting their first child (see below). Can you imagine the excitement and anticipation?

And then I arrived. I joke that either my parents were so pleased with their result (me) that they couldn't get enough (and had to settle for 12) or they figured they could do better and kept trying. In any case, I think they did a good job and I am delighted and honored to be part of such an interesting family. Thank you.