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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

New Year, new things to see...

2011 is off and running. I'm back at work, reading blogs, baking treats, in general feeling better and enjoying the new year so far.

I'm excited that the Oscar season movies are in theaters - just this past weekend we went to see Black Swan, and True Grit. Both were really good. I mean really good, after months and months without a thing that would tempt me to go into a theater, finally stories worth watching.

Natalie Portman, (though she is really pretty) I can usually take or leave as far as her acting - but not the case in Black Swan- she does an amazing job, and while I was disappointed that there wasn't any actual dancing per say (not like other dance movies for example, (The Turning Point) - the overall film was truly scary and a there was a lot in it to analyze. Years ago I took a class that discussed the topic of women and autonomy and the body. Let's just say this film would have been perfect to analyze in that forum.

True Grit was really good, as well. Definitely a great story - with strong characters - it's funny - and the dialogue is amazing. But then for me, the Coens can rarely do any wrong - this counts as yet another fantastic novel adaptation from them. I'm a bit ashamed to say I didn't read the novel before going to see the film! But, it's on my list of books to read.

Right now I'm reading two books (yeah I read several books at a time) The Autobiography of Mark Twain and Tomato Red.

This weekend we're off to the De Young to see the final installment of the Impressionist paintings on loan from the Musée d'Orsay , and maybe try Gracias Madre - a vegan Mexican restaurant in the Mission.

Many new things are underway, I'm keeping myself distracted and trying to be stress free.

That's my wish for all of you for 2011. That you have the time to take it slow and enjoy what is around you.

8 comments:

  1. can't wait to hear how Gracias Madre is. I almost ended up there last night, but found myself at Cocina Poblana in Jack London instead (think Dona Tomas, but with more neon). It was good, but will probably still opt for Flaco's Tacos next time I'm craving vegan Mexican.

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  2. havent seen black swan yet! Im so anxious to!! But never find the time. I walked by Gracias Madre the other day on the way to a friends house, but I didn't know what it was, I'll def have to check it out soon. Thanks for the recommendation.

    But now I'm kind of kicking myself because today was free museum day and we went to the moma, where the special exhibit was wine...if I had known, I would have gone to the De Young instead!!

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  3. I haven't seen black swan yet and everyone keeps raving about it. I must go soon!

    Glad your year is off to a good start!

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  4. I definitely want to see True Grit, and I think I want to see Black Swan too. This might be a silly question, but I've heard that Black Swan is so intense it gives you nightmares. Is there anything to that?

    Distractions definitely help - I'm trying to do the same to get through our never ending winter.

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  5. oooh, thanks for posting on this. I really want to see Black Swan! I'm also interested to hear more on your paper about women, autonomy and the body. Glad to hear you are feeling more positive sweets.

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  6. Yay! I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better! I need to go see both of these, but usually wait to rent movies. I love everything the Coen brothers do - they grew up only a few blocks from where I currently live!

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  7. I'm so glad you're feeling better, and don't worry about writing about things that aren't always 'positive' as it's always good to get things off your chest.

    Oh and i really want to see black swan, it isn't out in the UK for a while (i think) but i've been reading too many reviews of it already. Plus i've finally got around to the '7 things about me' post. I am so rubbish at actually writing anything about myself (other than the thrifting) xx

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  8. Hi all!
    @Anne, it's spooky but not nightmare spooky - it's just that you start to see this mental breakdown- I guess it's more disturbing than outright scary.

    @Huzzah - I so have a craving for Flacos now! I will definitely report back on Gracias Madre.


    @ Lyddie & Teeny - thank you both I am much better - Teeny, I'll have to dig out my old papers. I'm such a geek I saved my college papers!
    You both should make it out to see Black Swan - it's a bit off putting but interesting as far as subject matter- but good!

    @Eli - Oh! you should go to the De Young soon though I think there are only two weekend left before the paintings go back.

    @Future lint - you've got to love the Coens : ) I hear ya on the waiting to rent movies. I think I'm really lucky in that our little local indie theater shows all these great movies at a reasonable price. I really don't like going out to the big chain movie theaters- the prices and the crowds are not for me.

    @ Kathy - Thank you so much. I am doing a lot better. I looooved your Berlin pictures : ) I hope you get to do lots more traveling so you'll share those photos with us!

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