Julia's 100th!

In honor of Julia Child's 100th birthday, I was planning on making something delicious from her recipes and posting a gorgeous picture of it.  However, it's very hot here in sunny Los Angeles and turning on the oven sounds like a terrible idea.  Instead, I'll just say Happy Birthday to a truly great woman who changed many lives.

Growing up, I watched many food t.v. shows with my grandparents, which is how I really cultivated a love of eating.  We watched hours of tv programs and tried to recreate the recipes for dinner.  Those are some of my favorite memories of my grandfather.

My favorite program (other than Child's) was "World Class Cuisine" narrated by a lady with a wonderful foreign accent.  I believe it was on one of the public broadcasting channels, though we did watch quite a bit of Food Network too.  This was long before the Food Network could boast about much.  Mario Batali's "Molto Mario" was a favorite, as well as "East Meets West" with Ming Tsai.  I miss the low budget food programming of the 80s and 90s.  Everything looks so slick or comes in the form of competitions now.  Sometimes I just want to watch a really amazing chef cook, especially on location in his or her restaurant.

None of us would be the amateur chefs that we are today (or be able to make such wonderful family memories through cooking) if not for Julia Child and her determination to bring decent cooking to the people!  So thank you and happy birthday!

Hitchcock's Ladies

In honor of Mr. Alfred Hitchcock's birthday (August 13, 1899), I have compiled a list of my 10 favorite female characters from his films.  Though we all know he was fond of the blondes as leading ladies, he's got a few brunettes in there that deserve some credit too!  I also think the supporting women deserve a bit more credit, as they were sometimes much more interesting than the lead.

1. Joan Fontaine as The Nameless Wife (Rebecca, 1940) Poor thing, she doesn't even get her own name!  Of course, this was the conceit from the novel (and might I add, the very different and much darker novel) which made her just so pathetic.  She finally grows a bit of a backbone in the film, but more than not, you root for her because she's so helpless.  And I think we can all imagine ourselves thrown into the world of Manderley and behaving in just the same way.  Memorable Blunder: The Costume Ball

2. Kim Novak as Madeleine Elster (Vertigo, 1958) What a stunner Kim Novak was in this film.  As a cold blonde becoming possessed with an ancestral spirit, she embodies the perfect blend of romanticism and the occult.  Of course, things twist and turn (I'll try to avoid spoilers, despite it being released over 50 years ago!), but even with her faults, she's still so enticing.  Memorable Costume: That Gray Suit

3. Kim Novak as Judy Barton (Vertigo) Okay, so this is kind of a cheat.  But she's a wonderful, genuine, and well-rounded character on her own.  In fact, I think Novak should get more credit as an actress for this switch.  She's often ignored because of her good looks.  Memorable Feature: Those eyebrows!

4. Patricia Hitchcock as Barbara Morton (Strangers on a Train, 1951) I absolutely love the roles Pat (Hitch's real life daugher) plays in his films.  In Strangers, she's a quippy, sarcastic young girl who romanticizes murder until she comes face to face with it.  Plus, she's got some great one-liners.  Memorable Scene: The Party Strangler

5. Janet Leigh as Marion Crane (Psycho, 1960) The film opens on Leigh in her underwear (yowza) having an affair.  Then she steals a bunch of money and goes on the run.  Not the typical "leading lady" so far.  In fact, nothing she does is leading lady material, though it seemed she had intentions of redeeming herself.  Unfortunately, she never got the chance.  Memorable Prop (other than the shower curtain): The Newspaper Filled with Cash

 6. Ingrid Bergman as Dr. Constance Petersen (Spellbound, 1945) I just adore a love story that gets the audience to forget just how inappropriate the relationship is!  Ingrid Bergman, a psychotherapist who's far too good looking to be that scientific, falls in love with her patient, a dashing Gregory Peck, amidst a backdrop of PTSD and surrealist dreams (done by Salvador Dali himself).  I like Bergman because she's all woman.  She is sometimes vulnerable, but never pitiable.  Memorable Dream: All Those Eyeballs!

7. Barbara Bel Geddes as Midge Wood (Vertigo) Poor Midge is in love with Jimmy Stewart (her dearest friend), he knows it, but he just can't make it happen.  I admire her because she's a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of woman with a good career and a fantastic apartment.  She designs underwear and has a great sense of humor about it.  Unfortunately, she's in competition with Novak and her many assets.  We've all been there.  Memorable Heartbreak: The "Humorous" Painting

8. Thelma Ritter as Stella (Rear Window, 1954) Grace Kelly is lovely, but boring.  There, I said it!  I much prefer Ritter as the wisecracking sidekick she plays in many films, especially this one.  As she becomes embroiled in the murder mystery, her tenacity keeps the detective work alive!  Memorable Quote: "Must've splattered a lot . . . Come on, that's what we're all thinkin'!"

9. Teresa Wright as Young Charlie (Shadow of a Doubt, 1943) Poor Charlie has so much growing up to do.  As much as she idolizes her uncle (the amazing Joseph Cotten), she's got to admit there's something funny going on with him.  I find this film to be particularly frightening because of the family psychology behind it.  Memorable Tune: "The Merry Widow's Waltz"

10. Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers (Rebecca) What a creepy bitch!  She is by far my favorite Hitchcock female, perhaps favorite character from any of his films, because she has so much brewing beneath the surface.  Danvers embodies the film's themes of grief, obsession, and betrayal, while offering a sexual undertone that the censors couldn't fight.  Memorable Mindf**k: "Do you think the dead come back and watch the living?"

Cactus Killer

Well, I've done it.  You said it couldn't be done, but I did it.  And did it well!  I've killed a cactus.  A beautiful little succulent died at my hands.  "How," you might ask, "did you manage it?"  Well, apparently cacti need a lot of sunlight and don't need a lot of water.  This must be why my little cactus turned into a sort of prickly Water Wiggler in my living room.

I must admit that this most recent herbicide was particularly heartbreaking.  Not only was this cactus a housewarming gift from a dear friend, but it was also the one plant I was quite sure I could keep alive.  It symbolized my skills as a homemaker.  It held all of my domestic hopes in its beautifully curved vase . . .

But seriously, it was a real bummer.  I still have one plant alive in the house, and it is now closely monitored.  Which brings me to my next project: silk flower arrangements.

I'm Not Rich, and That's Okay

Today I have to go to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where I'll be surrounded by rich people and piles of things I can't afford.  It's a work trip, but there's something about walking into those stores that makes me feel like a fraud!  What I've realized about feeling my best in these situations is - be unique!

So what if I can't afford any of this stuff?  So what if I'm looking at jewelry more expensive than a house?  What's important is that I don't act like I shouldn't be there, because you know what?  It's just stuff.  None of the people who work in the shops can afford any of it either!

In terms of being unique, I like to wear vintage pieces, something I bought at a craft fair, or perhaps a funky pair of shoes I found in a thrift store.  The key for me is to put together a look that is entirely me, not entirely "Rodeo" (because frankly, I wouldn't dress that way even if I had the money).  Putting on a piece of fun costume jewelry will get just as many (if not more) compliments than the real stuff.

And I think this is applicable to many events and outings.  Going to a friend's birthday party with her well-to-do girlfriends?  A fancy theater event?  No need to break the bank to fit in with the crowd.  Let yourself stand out from it!

Protecting Ourselves

Several nights ago, I had a dream that I was being attacked by a very scary man, and I couldn't fight him off.  No matter how hard I tried to push him away, he was stronger, and I knew I was going to lose the fight. 

As everyone knows, a few days ago innocent people, just trying to watch a movie, were murdered in Colorado. 

Last night, while getting ready for bed, we heard seven gunshots.  When I put my ear to our open window, I heard a man yelling for help.  I couldn't tell where it was coming from, but luckily, the sirens approached quickly so I knew it was being taken care of.  As it turns out, an unidentified man shot at three homeless men, hitting one.


Normally, I feel very safe walking from my car at night.  I've had no concerns about living across the street from a park.  But isn't that what many victims think?

All of these incidents reminded me that all people, but especially women, need to learn to protect themselves.  I'm not sure exactly how to do this, but what could be more important?  It's frightening to think that I can live my life as a good person, not do harm to others, and still end up hurt or killed because I was in the wrong theater or walked by a neighborhood park a little later than usual.

Surely I don't have a solution to any of this chaos, but I can say that I'm looking into self-defense classes.

My Top 20 Romantic Movies (inspired by the wonderful Ms. Ephron)

As much as I'd like to think I'm a tough cookie and can roll with the punches, the reality is that I am probably the most sensitive person you'll ever meet.  This is why me plus romantic movies equals MFEO (made for each other).  And yes, that is a reference to Sleepless in Seattle.  Now, I do have to clarify that I'm not the type for weepy, tragic movies (no thank you, Nicholas Sparks).  I don't believe that tragedy is the same as drama. 

The recent passing of Nora Ephron, the famed writer and director who knew how to perfectly tug at our heartstrings, reminded me how much I love movies that blend romance with a healthy dose of humor.  It's unfortunate that they don't get the sort of recognition they deserve.  "This 'chick flick' can't possibly be an excellent film!" - Cynical Film Critic

My favorite romantic movies have a touch of humor, perhaps some magic, and a lot of heart.  Sometimes I enjoy being moved to tears, as long as those tears are a result of beautiful moments.  So in honor of my love for love, here is a list of my 20 favorite romantic films (I know I left some great ones out!):

1. Shakespeare in Love - Combines my love of the Bard, confused identity plotlines, and costume dramas into one wonderful, funny, utterly romantic film.  And I don't care what anyone says, I'm glad it beat Saving Private Ryan for best picture.

2. The Philadelphia Story - I just love Katherine Hepburn . . . and Jimmy Stewart . . . and Cary Grant!  Quite possibly my favorite classic romance (a separate movie list entirely), the dialogue is witty and fast, and the characters are absolutely charming.

3. Midnight in Paris - The first Woody Allen film on this list (and certainly not the last), I felt like this movie was made for me.  Romance, nostalgia, magic . . . Plus, it's in Paris!  That automatically adds about 400 points to the Romance-Meter.


4. Sleepless in Seattle - It's easy to see why this one is on the list.  Sweet, charming, perfectly written - it stands the test of time, as does . . .

5. When Harry Met Sally - Again, Nora Ephron writes a movie that feels like real people talking about real relationships.  They're just a little more concise and witty than the rest of us.

6. Valley Girl - What's more romantic than a Sunset Strip punk wooing a blonde Valley-loving prom queen?  Nothing.  And speaking of Nic Cage . . .

7. Moonstruck - This one is my most quotable movie ever.  Don't get me started ("Johnny had his hand, Johnny had his bride!").  Unfortunately, a lot of people I know have never even seen it!  Not only a romantic comedy, but also a love letter to family.  A la familia!

8. Dirty Dancing - I can't even remember the first time I watched this movie.  I was far too young for the subject matter and didn't even get half of the storyline.  But dancing and secret romance are a guaranteed hit - just ask ANY GIRL my age!  They all love this one.

9. Charade - Often called the best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never directed, Charade's plot twists and turns keep you guessing while the amazing chemistry between Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn builds.  And yes, it's set in Paris!

10. Annie Hall - Not the traditional romantic comedy, but I consider it a romance above all else.  The element of this film that keeps us all hooked is the relationship between Allen and Keaton. (Honorable Mention: Hannah and Her Sisters)

11. Amelie - This movie is almost too adorable.  Almost.  The blend of magic, surrealism, and hopeless romanticism makes this French film an instant classic.  Again, it's in Paris! 

12. Moulin Rouge - Spectacular!  Spectacular!  Over the top.  Musical.  Ewan McGregor.  I'm in!  Oh yeah, and it's in Paris . . . Are you sensing a trend?

13. Only You - A romp through Italy with Marissa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. is always a good choice for a girls' night in! 

14. Breakfast at Tiffany's - An easy pick because it's such a classic.  Though not at all what Truman Capote wrote about in his short story, I'm all for the changes made for the big screen.  It's subtle storytelling wrapped in amazing wardrobe!  (Side story: My mom saw this in the theater as a kid and was really worried about that cat at the end.  She didn't care whether or not they got together.)

15. Bridget Jones' Diary - It's just fun. I don't care whether or not Renee Zellweger put on a few pounds - it's irrelevant.  The key was making her an absolute mess of a person, which she pulled off perfectly.  And when that mess of a person finds Mr. Darcy?  Zing!

16. The Wedding Singer - I don't think this movie gets enough credit, because it's easy to cast off as "an Adam Sandler movie."  Not so!  It's really well-written and includes, quite possibly, the sweetest love song I've ever heard.

17. Defending Your Life - Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks end up in "Judgement City" after their deaths and will be sent to "the next level" or back to Earth based on how well they lived their last life.  A really charming story told in an unexpected way.

18. Something's Gotta Give - I love this movie because deep inside, I'm already an old person.  And I love Diane Keaton.  Mostly, because I'm an old person, and I still find Jack Nicholson attractive.

19. Bell, Book, and Candle - A lesser known film starring Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart, Novak plays a witch trying to woo Stewart without using her powers.  It's a more romantic, funny version of Bewitched.

20. The Princess Bride - Did you think I wasn't gonna love this movie?  I'm in my late twenties, I'm a female.  Nuff said. 

Lady in the Garden

I very much envy women who have a knack for gardening.  Throughout my life I've attempted outdoor and indoor gardening.  My Oklahoma rose bush is still alive in my parents' backyard only because my father tends to it.  Thank goodness - otherwise it would be on the casualties list (which is quite long at this point).  As a kid I tried growing strawberries, sunflowers, houseplants, a mini-Christmas tree . . . it goes on and on.  Now that I've moved into my very own home, I've tried to grow dwarf sunflowers and daisies (needless to say, all of these are dead as doornails).  Luckily, I was given two succulents that keep on truckin'!  I manage to keep cacti alive!

Now, I have two plants in desperate need of help: an Easter Lily and a mini rose bush.  My Lily looks like an old corn stalk and the mini-roses look like they were pressed between the pages of a scrapbook about 50 years ago.  For some reason, I take it very hard when I kill a plant.  Partially because it's a living thing, partially because I find gardening to be a very feminine skill I am lacking.  But I'll keep trying through the year and hopefully be able to pass on some tips as I go!

Feel free to send some tips, websites, or videos!