Well, another Spring Break has come and gone. I had a really enjoyable one this year so I thought I would share some pictures. I didn't do anything particularly grand, nor did I leave town, but I was able to spend some good quality time with friends and Family.

To start things off, my parents and I started the yearly ritual that comes to those with green thumbs. It was time to prune our fruit trees. We usually get about two or three loads in the truck that we send down to the dump. Although its healthy for our trees, they don't seem to appreciate it and by the end of the day, we're full of cuts and scrapes.

I also got to see this:

You can read my almost 100% unedited review at  http://www.utahtheaterbloggers.com/1163/the-secret-garden-at-the-childrens-theatre. They give me free tickets to review shows across the Valley and I just have to show up and write how I felt about it. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.

What would spring break be without one last foray into the mountains to seek out the last of old man winter? While I am not one for winter sports, (you'll never see me in skis again after the great ski lift incident of 95) I decided to go snowshoeing with my sister and mom.  It was actually really nice. I am amazed that someone could create these contraptions that keep me up above the snow by making my feet bigger. Who knew?    

Although all this time with my family was fun and good, I got to do some fun things with my friends too. I judged a drama competition and got paid for it :), I had a nice little bonfire (the first of many), and  I saw An Education with my friends Nick and Jessy. All I can say is

GO SEE THIS MOVIE 

It was so beautiful! And I think it had a really important message. I think its easy to see things in life and wish that we could have it right then and there. That things were easier and more fun. It's not meant to be this way. We have to learn. We have to struggle. It's part of the beauty of existence.

So that brings me to today. The last day of spring break. What would a break be without some cooking? For dinner my mom made her famous roasted pepper pasta and I got a chance to make these yummy Brioche rolls. There is something so blissful about cooking for others. I love it so much. If I wasn't going to school for theatre arts, you can bet your buttons I'd be a master chef. Oh well. Its a nice hobby. By the way, do those rolls look yummy? I'll post the recipe next time. 

Down the Rabbit hole

So, I saw Alice in Wonderland last night and despite what others have been saying, I LOVED it. I love that story anyways and I've always wondered why. After watching this film I realized it's because I love stories about children going into the world and returning as empowered beings. Its a great idea, and an idea that I think children should be told. They are capable. They will have to face the world and they will sometimes fail, but if they persist, they will return from their journey with a new strength.

Upon reflection, I thought of a couple of other movies that have similar ideas. These types of films are all some of my all time favorites as well.

Coraline is such a great movie on so many different levels. But I just love how independent she is and how the way she views the world changes as her journey progresses. I loved how the film took us along with her experience and little by little we saw her parents, her neighbors, and even the world around her change.

Matilda is another film that I have always adored. Its set in such a relatable world. School is a scary place, and I think we've all had moments when we've thought our parents didn't care. Plus, I love reading. I've loved to read since I was a little child. I think Matilda and I could have been friends.

Kiki's Delivery Service is another great film. I particularly like this one because Kiki's enemy isn't a huge dragon, or something symbolic of that sort. Instead, Kiki's challenge as she goes into this new world is simply to find a way to belong and be herself. It's something we all want. It's something we all relate to. Now, if only we could all fly, that would be awesome!

Some may call me overly optimistic, too forgiving,  or simple in my choice of films. But I'd rather like the good things in a movie and go away from it hopeful for what lies ahead in my own future than stand as an "unbiased" critic who cant get over the fact that the director failed to include such and such or didn't focus on so and so. If sophistication means not being able to see what I saw last night and enjoy it, then I'll stand on my own.