Flying is Pretty Cool

Flying is Pretty Cool
New venture...children's book

Monday, December 28, 2009

I'M BACK! It's been a busy Holiday season and I have lots to update you on.
Great new movies: Brothers & Blind Side! Both powerful and great acting from all parties. I can't say enough about these must see movies.
Currently reading an old book by a newly discovered author: Barbara Kingsolver. The Poisonwood Bible which explores missionary work through the eyes of the wife and daughters of a minister. So far Barbara is able to give great individual voice to each of the 6 characters speaking and spoke of. She interjects great humor into what seems to be a very bleak situation for these young ladies.

Blessings to all in 2010!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Prayer of Jabez

This little book is much like Bruce Wilkinson's "The Dream Giver" very exciting and inspiring. To sum up the Prayer of Jabez which is based off of 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 is simple: ask and ye shall receive! Believe in God's power and his desire for you to have many blessings.

The author points out that we merely have to ask for God to expand our borders, ask for the power that he possess alone so we can handle all that he will bless us with and believe in God.
I listened to this book on audio read by the author, his passion comes right through the head phones. I loved both of these books and have listened to the Dream Giver several times during my path to write and become published. I truly feel that my story and ability come from God and he will bless me with more.

Download these immediately if your looking for inspiration or a push to reach your goal.
Happy reading!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Weekend Movie: Law Abiding Citizen

This movie is about revenge and one man's need to show how the justice system can fail us. Just as politicians have their own agenda that don't have anything to do with the values of our country, but solely to do with self gain; the justice system can be the same way. (According to this movie.)

It borders on horror show with the graphic violence; definitely not for the light of heart or youth!
I can't tell you much about the actors roles without giving details away, but I thought both key actors did a great job with their characters. I'll give it an A grade for writing and acting. If this was based on a book I'd love to read it to see if there is more detail given on the background of Butler's character, we only get a small glimpse of this and it seemed very interesting!
Enjoy the movie!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Latest Read: have a little faith by: Mitch Albom

I found Mitch Albom's interviews with his childhood Rabbi and an acquaintance, Pastor Henry enlightening and enriching. Both subjects had great lessons for anyone of any faith. I wanted to race through it to find out the secrets they imparted to Mitch and what would happen with My Brother's Keeper Church. Rabbi Albert Lewis sounds like someone any of us would like to spend hours with and Pastor Henry has enough faith to share with thousands. People or friends like this are priceless, Mitch does a great service to us all by sharing. I don't want to give anything away I just want to make sure you all know that this is a great read for everyone! I plan to get another copy or two for gifts.
Happy Reading!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Random notes to self & others

Note to self: don't ever eat beet greens again, unless you have a need to clean the pipes.
Note to others: if I've just met you within the last 60 seconds and you have to ask my age twice....take the hint! I don't want to have to answer you so asking me "do I mind" doesn't really allow you the right to ask a question we're "not suppose to ask." Didn't you learn this when you were like, 5!

Note to other cooks: made the most amazing salad from Food & Wine; look for Roasted Beets & Carrots with Arugula and oranges. This is definitely going on the Thanksgiving Menu. Big hit even for those that turn their nose up at beets. It looks too pretty to not want to try! Hint: throw away the beet greens.....refer to 1st note.

Note to other book readers: Currently speeding through Have a Little Faith by Mitch Ablom. Love it and have to quote him: "Faith is about doing. you are how you act, not just how you believe." I know just another way of saying actions are louder than words, but better!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Wild Horse Pass Resort

If you have not had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful resort, I would highly recommend you take a drive down there for a meal. I have a full review of their 5 diamond restaurant "Kai" on Yelp, but just to summarize any of their restaurants, golf, cocktails, spa or just the drive up to their front entrance is amazing. They have all desert landscaping with a little creek along the road that is so charming and relaxing you'll want to go back.

I had a glass of wine with my in-laws last weekend and their bar opens up to the back of the resort for a great view of the sunset. I'm not sure if it's the setting or maybe the Indian music they pipe in but something is very calming about this resort!

If your not familiar with where it's located it's south of Phoenix about 1 mile beyond Pecos/I-10.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

New TV Season in review.

Just a little update for those that know my long list of "must see TV." House didn't make the cut (although my Doctor stated he loves this show because House can say everything that real Doctors would love to, but can't.) Maybe in the re-run season.
Heroes is awesome! the forgotten is still out with the jury. The Good Wife is well written and worth watching.
Grey's Anatomy so far hasn't disappointed. Mentalist is fun to watch just for the banter between the characters. Jane is much like House-he says whatever he's thinking!

Oh, then there's PBS they have a special documentary series called POV that has had some good material-check that out.

The jury is still out on the new Jay Leno show too. Tell me what you think!

Somehow I haven't been able to catch Southland or Ugly Betty and can someone please tell me why the Medium is using a cane? I missed the season premier.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

YELP

Have you checked out the application Yelp? It allows anyone to be a published critic of whatever you want to critique! I love this website. http://www.yelp.com/ I post under Tina M.

It's a blast for anyone who's opinionated or wants to think that their opinion should count for something. Now I'll warn you the business owners look at these critiques of their business so it's important to be respectful at all times. Not everyone is, but for the most part I think it's full of responsible people. I've received responses from business owners on a couple postings and I was glad I had been careful with my wording. It's kind of like being called out on the carpet when they respond to your posting!

Check it out and use it for when your looking for somewhere new to eat, shop, bank etc. Whether your traveling or just wanting something new in your area.

Happy Yelping!
Tina M

Monday, September 21, 2009

TV's Fall Season

Okay, did I say a little TV? Because I've made a list up of all the shows I used to watch and would like to watch and it doesn't look so little!
Monday nights: Heroes, House and The Closer.
Tuesday nights: The Forgotten & The Good Wife (both new but who wants to miss C. Slater or Julianna)
Wednesday nights: maybe my only free night to write.
Thursday nights:Greys Anatomy, The Mentalist
Friday nights: Southland, Medium & Ugly Betty
Not to mention Jay Leno is back 5 nights a week! Okay, I'm freaking out a little over this. I hate the fact that my brain cells go to mush when we watch TV, yet I can't stand missing out on any of the listed shows. Dilemma, dilemma.......

Weekend Movie-The Informant

SLLOWWWW! That's what I have to say about "The Informant," Matt Damon did a fine job of playing this man that obviously had more than a few issues. The story over all though had difficulty keeping you from wiggling in your seat and checking the time. Damon's character was this quirky man that constantly quoted statistics or facts that most of us could care less about. The description given in most of the movie ads claim he's Bipolar, I really didn't get that impression from Damon's portrayal, more just odd. As I understand Bipolar disease causes people to be constantly uber-happy or energetic then suddenly depressed and withdrawn, I didn't see any evidence of these traits.

I would give it a grade of C and I wouldn't recommend it to a friend.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Audio Books

I just finished "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Although not my favorite book it did keep my interest and I was quite enamored with Greg Mortenson's desire to build relationships with the Islamic world in Afghanistan through it's people by building schools mainly for girls. How can you not love that goal. The story told by David gives great insight into the trials and tribulations Dr. Mortenson went through to first get the funding and then build the schools in very remote locations with people of another culture that continually brought about difficulty. Dr. Mortenson did the best job he could of fitting into this culture and has been truly successful because of his tenacity.

This would be someone I would love to meet and become acquaintances with, just to pick his brain a bit. Not to mention I feel surrounding ourselves with great people that believe in serving something bigger than themselves is a way to think outside the box. Outside our little lives that effect so few.

This book has been on the best sellers list long enough that you could easily pick up a second hand copy and become inspired to serve others. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Weekend Movie: Julie & Julia

What a delightful movie, it had all the elements needed to keep your interest. I left there inspired to start this blog, write, write and write. Okay I'll admit I was also equally inspired to cook something amazing and possibly have a glass of wine. (There was always a drink in the hands of the characters!)

The main characters had equally great partners as co-stars that both added some comedic flair. Hands down Meryl Streep wins for doing a dynamic impression of a well know character. I'm recommending this movie and Time Traveler's Wife as movies of the year! Oh, I almost forgot the 2 comedies of the year "The Ugly Truth" and "Hangover." Now if you need a good kids movie make sure you see "Up" it's delightful!