NaNoWriMo Eve!

It begins at midnight, but I'm not staying up that late! I'm going to get a mass email out to everyone in my region and then go to bed so I can be productive tomorrow. I have to really be on my game to get everything done. Luckily, I shouldn't have too many interruptions, so I can really focus on the newsletter and a grant application.

So good luck, NaNoWriMo participants! We will be going on this journey together. It should be an interesting one.

Vampirate - the proof

Okay, some people asked for proof that I actually dressed up as a vampirate for the party at the theatre, so here you go! The party was a blast. I'm posting the pictures somewhere else on the web so that the other board members can access them, but I haven't quite decided where yet. I'll post the link here when I do.

Noah's blanket

Here are a couple of pictures of Noah's blanket so far. I'm using the Moderne Log Cabin pattern from Mason Dixon Knitting (a wonderful book!)

One great thing about this pattern is that it's totally garter stitch, which is great for mindless knitting in front of the TV, which is usually what I do. I'm trying to get a lot done on it now before November starts and I spend every waking moment in front of the computer, working on Downward Spiral. Here's a close up of the stitches:

It's going to be done in shades of green, yellow, and blue. Those are his favorite colors, so I had to use them! If this works out well, I'll do one for Hannah and one for Kohl. Well, I have a different idea for Hannah's, but I'll have to see if I can figure out how to do it before I commit to it. But at least I have a fallback! This is so much fun to knit!

crash!

I know I haven't posted in almost a week, but there is a good reason for that. My computer crashed! It was horrible. I lost everything that was on my computer, including my notes for NaNo. Luckily, all my novels and works in progress are backed up on a portable hard drive and on disk, but I didn't back up my notes. Stupid, I know. I'm also happy to report that I didn't lose any of my photos or music because they were backed up on the portable drive too. I did have to spend hours putting programs back on the computer last night and I reconstructed a lot of the outline that I had finished.

The worst thing was losing my internet favorites. All the freelance job boards, the writing forums, the knitting sites (with free patterns!) are gone now. I also spent some time last night trying to save favorites again. It really makes me want to save all my favorites online somewhere in case this happens again. I'm pretty sure there's a way to do that. I think Google offers that service.

Another thing I did last night was to put my ideas about Draha into FreeMind to get a clear picture of the series. I spent about an hour putting in the different aspects of the story and getting used to the program. I really love this program! I think I might even use it to organize projects at work if I can figure out exactly how to use it for that purpose. It's so helpful to be able to see all aspects of a project and how they relate to each other just mapped out on the screen. I've always been a fan of brainstorming on paper (or screen). It really helps me organize my thoughts.

So anyway, that's why I haven't posted. I'll do an update on my week later, but for now, know that I'm back!

Vampirate

I finally figured out my Halloween costume. I'm going to be a vampirate! There's probably some backstory required here. My theatre is having a Halloween party and the board members are required to dress according to a theme. The theme is vampire or dracula personalities. One of the girls is going to be a glampire, for example. I was at work today and it hit me: vampirate! I bought a costume today, some material for a pirate headband, vampire teeth with a small makeup kit, and a skull necklace. I have the perfect black boots for a pirate and huge silver earrings. It's going to be great!

a day like any other

I had an interview yesterday. I think it went well, but I'm not sure what will come of it. It was with the HR dept, so the department will still have to call me in if they want me, so it's not over. We'll see what happens. There's another opportunity on the horizon, but I haven't heard any specifics on it. I like the idea of it, but the position isn't open yet, so I'll have to wait and see what happens with it.

Today was okay. I did a ton of editing at work. Everything that goes out has to go through me, so the entire staff emails letters and other communication materials to me all the time to approve before they send them. Today was a big day for that. I was going to start a grant, but it didn't happen because of all the editing! Tomorrow I'm going to do the grant, finish the articles for the newsletter, and do a little more work on the website. I also have to get invitations out for our ribbon cutting ceremony. All in a day's work...

The outlining for Downward Spiral is still going well. I'm really looking forward to starting it. I'm already spending way too much time on the NaNo forums, especially in the Singles Lounge. The people there are always so great! It's one thing I love about NaNo. You really get to connect with other writers and for one month you are all feeling the same emotions and experiencing the same journey. It's magical.

so sweet

Today I had a brief reminder of why I used to love my job so much. I went to a retirement community to speak to the residents and pick up food they had collected in a food drive. The residents were so sweet. They collected almost 300 pounds of food, which is really good for a food drive. I love speaking in front of people, especially when the audience is so great. I've had tough audiences before, and those present their own challenges, but I find that I'm always able to find a way to connect. It feels great to make that connection. I think in this crazy, hectic world, people don't connect with other people the way they used to. It's sad.

Anyway, it was nice. Then I got back to work and was pulled back into my current reality. But for a moment, I enjoyed myself.

We had a fundraiser meeting tonight, so I got home late. I did manage to add a few points to my outline for NaNo and browse the forums a little. Now I'm going to do a little knitting and go to bed. Oh, such an exciting life!

projects

I worked on a special project tonight (for my dad for Christmas) and it was great, but also frustrating. There is some computer work involved and it was going very slowly. How annoying. Anyway, I spent a few hours on that and then gave up for the night. I'll go back to it again tomorrow. Luckily, there is plenty of time.

My ML package came in the mail today and I love the new stickers! I wasn't fond of the NaNo tattoos from last year, so I'm really glad they didn't appear again! I'm planning to order a t-shirt but just haven't gotten around to it. I'll donate again this year too, but that will also have to wait.

I did some more outlining tonight and I think I finally decided how I want to approach the story, which is good. I like this story already. I think it's going to be good. I couldn't sleep last night so I kept going over and over what will be the opening line. I have several options, but since I can't write anything down before November 1, I just have to remember them!

I'm going to knit for awhile before going to sleep. I'm working on Noah's blanket now. I need to research patterns a little more before starting on Kohl's again. I want to choose a different one for him now that I know what the previous pattern actually looks like (a little too frilly for a little boy, in my opinion!) I had a thought about Hannah's blanket that would be really cute if I can pull it off. It would be a modification of a pattern in one of my books. I just have to do the math and figure out if I can do it.

weekends are too short

It was such a nice weekend that I hate to see it end. I remember when I loved Mondays. I loved my job and my coworkers then too. One day, I'll feel that way again. One day... when I find a better job.

I spent some time today working on my NaNo plotting. Someone on the NaNo site talked about FreeMind, a mind-mapping program that they said helped them brainstorm their novel. I decided to download it and see what it was all about, and I have to say, it has been very helpful! The story seems to be taking shape. I'm feeling that familiar itch in my fingers that means I'm totally ready to start writing!

Geocaching adventures

My parents and I took the kids geocaching today. We had a great time, and found two out of the three we attempted. That's pretty good for us! I took my new camera and snapped a few good shots. Here's one:

It was such a beautiful day! The one cache we didn't find was near the Pitcher Plant Bog, which is a preserved area with the most interesting flowers and plants. Anyway, we thought it was along the main boardwalk, but it turns out the hiding place is a little more hidden. We found the "secret" path and went through the woods but still didn't find the treasure. The kids were real troopers, using sticks to move vines and small tree branches out of the way so that the trail would be easier to navigate. Noah even cleared the path of spider webs because Hannah doesn't like spiders. To tell you the truth, I don't like spiders either! Anyway, it turns out we stopped just short of the cache and our search was not successful. The GPS was a little wonky because of all the trees, I guess. Hannah started getting a blister on her foot, so we decided to turn back, but we decided to come back another day and find it. It was so much fun just to get outside and walk. The weather was amazing, not too hot but not too cool. We brought water with us and just had a great time walking through the woods and along the nature trails.

The blanket I started knitting for Kohl (the pretty one in shades of blue) didn't work out very well. The holes in the pattern didn't line up and it started looking very odd, so I ripped the entire thing and am going to start over. It was actually too small anyway, so it's okay. I'm going to start over, using a larger pattern. I'm afraid all three blankets will not be finished by Christmas, but that's okay. I'm not going to stress about it. That's my new philosophy... I'm not going to stress about anything anymore.

back to the basics

I've decided I need to change some things in my life. I need to get back to the basics. Things get so hectic, so stressful sometimes, and when that happens, it's easy to let it sweep you along with it until you're drowning in a sea of obligations that are doing nothing but stressing you out more and more until you break.

I think this is happening to someone I know and it's painful to watch. I'm doing what I can, but it's not really helping because when someone is in that situation, you can't force them to think about what's happening, you can only encourage them to take some time for themselves. Luckily, this person did that today so hopefully things will be at least a little better by Monday. Anyway, because I recognized it in this person, I am determined not to let it happen to me. Thus, the "getting back to basics" thought. I'm going to return to things I love and do them because I love them.

I spent some time knitting last night, not on a project, but just knitting little swatches to see how the yarn looked with different stitch patterns and needle sizes. I've never had so much fun knitting! It really helped to put down the big projects and just play with the needles and yarn.

I also spent some time with my camera, just taking pictures of silly, unimportant things. It's a new camera and I'm still getting used to its various settings, so it was good to just take it out and play with it a little. I'm going to do more of that tomorrow. I have 30 days to test it out and make sure it's what I want, so I plan to really test it!

Spiritually, I really need to get back to the basics. I'm determined to spend some time in prayer and meditation every single day, something I've always done but have neglected in the last few months. Seeking peace and wisdom is never, ever a waste of time. Never. Our world is so hectic, so noisy, and so demanding. It takes a toll on everyone, and I'm feeling very worn out because of it. When job stress starts to bleed over into life and ruin the precious few moments I have to myself, I know I need to make a change. A daily spiritual renewal is as important as a daily multivitamin for me. (which reminds me, I haven't been doing that either!)

I'm so excited about NaNoWriMo this year. One thing I love about NaNo is that because the exercise is more about quantity than quality, I am allowed to turn off my inner editor and just write. Writing is the activity in my life that brings me the most joy. Unfortunately, sometimes when I'm writing, my inner editor thrashes me because of a bad word choice or a difficult sentence. But for NaNo, I literally visualize my inner editor locked in a cell for a month. This allows me to really experience the pure joy that writing can give. Writing during NaNo is like being on a swing when you're a kid. You go just as high as you possibly can because you have no fear, and if you feel like jumping off the swing and landing in the sand of the beach below, you do it, because it feels great to be that free. For a moment, you are able to fly. When the inner editor is locked up, writing is like that. For a moment, your story soars to heights you didn't know were possible. There's a lot of rewriting to be done after November, but for me, it's worth it.

You know, I've always viewed writing (and reading, of course) as a way to escape my current circumstance and live in a different world for awhile. It started when I was a kid. We didn't have a lot of money, so I didn't have all the toys and video games that other kids had. But, rather than feeling sorry for myself because I didn't have every Barbie doll ever made, I would sit in my room, or out in my "writing tree" (a wonderful old pecan tree with huge branches just low enough for me to climb and positioned perfectly so that I could sit in them and write in my notebook) and make up stories. I would travel to many different places and meet different people and creatures. It was better than any Barbie doll, trust me! I was an awkward teenager, always tripping over things and falling down. I had friends, but I wasn't in the "popular crowd." I wrote stories then because my imagination was a lot more interesting than reality. It was also then that I discovered that writing about something was helpful to me in a very specific way. If something was happening that I didn't understand, I would write about it and as I wrote, I began to understand a little better. I've used this technique a lot, even as an adult. But my favorite writing is still (and will most likely always be) the kind that can sweep me away from the worries of my life and put me into a different world for awhile. There's nothing more basic than that, in my opinion.

Also as a part of the "back to the basics" campaign I'm starting, I'm going to really commit to being more healthy. Fruits and veggies, exercise, yoga... I'm going back to these things because I know they work on many different levels. I saw some pictures of myself the other day and I couldn't believe it. I knew I had gained some weight, but I really looked bad in those photos. If I don't do something about this now, serious health problems will follow.

There are some other things I'm planning to do, but I'm honestly just too tired to type anymore. More on this tomorrow...

stressed

So much to do. Not enough time to do it. I love being busy, but I don't love impossible expectations. Most of the time, I set goals for myself that are too high, so I don't need someone else thinking they can push me to do even more. I will do it, of course. I will exceed expectations even if it means I don't sleep. Unfortunately, it looks like that's where I'm headed.

I'm going to knit a little tonight. It always relaxes me. I need a little relaxation tonight.

not feeling well

Well, I had to call in yesterday because I was sick, and today, although I am at work, I'm not feeling too much better than I was yesterday. (that was a truly horrible sentence!) I spent most of the day yesterday in bed and I sincerely wish I could have spent today the same way. Sinus infections are not fun at all. I feel totally drained and have had a headache for the last two weeks.

On a happier note, my parents gave me an early birthday present. It's a really nice digital camera! It's much better than the one I already had, and I love it! I tested it out a little on Sunday, but didn't really get a chance to try all the features. Hopefully when I feel better I can spend a Saturday just taking pictures and playing with all the different settings.

On another happy note, I finally figured out the perfect Christmas gift for my dad. I can usually get my mom a great gift and my sister is fairly easy. The kids are a snap, because they are happy with anything that is advertised during their favorite cartoons, but my dad has always been the tough one to figure out. I won't say what it is, just in case he stumbles upon this site, but I will say that it is perfect!

If you don't count yesterday (the day spent in bed) I've spent time every day in October working on my outline for Downward Spiral. I think this is going to be a great experience for me. In fact, it might even be helpful in the future, when I start working on Draha. I've only really written in one genre, so branching out into another one will be helpful, and I can take the lessons learned from that experience into my process for when I start the other genre. I think it will help me to understand voice and tone and why it's important to be different for different genres. I've been reading a book about voice recently and I feel like it has helped.

outlining like crazy

I spent most of the evening outlining Downward Spiral, and then I made another banner for it in photoshop. I think I'm going to keep the spiral one I already have because it's appropriate and I think it looks cool, but just for fun, here's the one I did tonight.

Yes, those are my eyes. I thought it would be funny. Anyway, as cool as it turned out, it doesn't really convey the message I want to convey. Neither does the other one, but I think it's a little more appropriate. Does anyone our there have any thoughts? One of my favorite things about NaNo (besides the speed writing and the amazing community) is making a banner that represents my book. Unfortunately, with all the things I've put in my signature line on the NaNo site, I can't actually use an image this time. I have links to the blogroll and to the thread where you can sign up for the blogroll, and that pretty much takes up all my allotted characters. I wish I could use a few more characters. Oh well. Maybe when it gets closer to NaNo, I can get rid of one of my other links and put in one of these banners.

One of my favorite places

I realized I haven't posted a photo in awhile, so I wanted to post this one. This is, as the title suggests, one of my favorite places. I love to come here and just enjoy being outside, being around nature and breathing the fresh air. I love watching people here, writing here, and reading a good book here. This is one reason my heart will always be tied to this place.

odd evening

There's something strange happening outside my window. I live out in the country, so nothing ever happens here. I'm sitting in my bedroom with the TV on, and until a few minutes ago I was working on my outline for Downward Spiral. It was going really well, I'm making lots of progress! But a few minutes ago, a car stopped right in front of my house. They pulled off the road and are now just sort of hanging out in my front yard. Someone just walked out of the shadows toward the car and now someone is getting out of the car. They are standing in the rather dim beams from the car, one figure showing the other something taken from a front pocket. I can't see what it is. It looks electronic, maybe a cell phone. I can see a faint blue light coming from it, similar to the light from my own phone. Hmm... now they are both getting into the car. They're turning around in the neighbor's driveway. They are driving away.

Interesting... I think I might have just witnessed some kid sneaking out of the house and getting picked up. Not really sure what to do about that. The neighbors don't have any kids, so it's not theirs. I assume they live further down the street, but I don't know the people who live in that area. I'm going to worry about this all night. Well, they are gone now, so I should get back to my outline.

Oh, I heard some interesting news today that has some potential. I'm not sure what will happen, but I'm hopeful that it will be something good.

Downward Spiral

Okay, I decided not to mull it over for a few days after all. I'm going for the new idea. I'm still trying to decide exactly how I'm going to do it. I'm thinking a diary-type style, something with dates, so that I can show the year and a half time period that I'm covering. Well, it's approximately a year and a half. I called it mainstream fiction on the NaNo site, but I'm not sure that's what it is. I'm not sure what it is, to be honest, and I'm not sure I'll know until it's finished. It's a story I have to tell, I think. It's something I have to get out of my head and onto the page. I'm working on the specifics now, but last night I did a quick outline and it sounds pretty interesting so far. I'm sure many, many other authors have explored a descent into depression that eventually turns into a severe form of agoraphobia, but I like to think my story will be different in some way. Perhaps I can offer a unique voice or perspective? I have seen a similar descent in someone who used to be close to me, so I think I can convey it effectively. Of course, this will be purely fictional, so I won't be using any actual circumstances in the book, but I think basing a character on the struggles I've seen is not unheard of in the world of fiction. In fact, it happens all the time. This will be challenging and emotional for me, but I think it's exactly the novel I'm meant to write at this moment in my life. We'll see what happens! And if you want to watch my own descent into madness while I write this novel, the graphic above all my posts is a link leading directly to my posts about NaNoWriMo, so you can follow it daily if you want. Check back often, because in November, I post every single day. (I actually try to post every day throughout the year, but sometimes that doesn't happen!)

another story?

I had a thought. Well, not quite a thought yet, more like a feeling. It might become the story I write during NaNo this year. I have to figure out some things first, especially what POV I want to use. I think the story would be more touching in first person, but I'm not sure I can pull it off. Well, we'll see, won't we?

I think I want to do it. I think I'd like to really challenge myself. And this story would be a big challenge. I think I'll mull it over for a few days and see what I decide.

Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival

Friday

I was off Friday, so I started driving toward Montgomery to meet Chris at about 10 a.m. I arrived at about 1:30 or so, and we took off toward Birmingham. The weather was gorgeous, a perfect driving day, and we had wonderful conversations along the way. He played tour guide as he drove us through some areas that were unfamiliar to me. It was nice to have something interesting to look at while driving. We got to Birmingham at about 4 p.m. and checked into the historic Redmont Hotel. It's the oldest hotel in the city, and it was really quite nice. The Redmont was a host hotel for the film festival, so it was right in the middle of all the action. We got settled, changed clothes, and met up with James, who shared a dorm with Chris in college. He lives in Birmingham, in the coolest loft I've ever seen. We had dinner at this little Mexican place that is actually in a converted fast food restaurant. I think it was a McDonalds. The food was great and the margaritas were cheap, so it was a good time! The opening night film was The Ten. This movie was very funny and strange. We laughed pretty much nonstop, although that might have had more to do with the margaritas than the movie, but I'm pretty sure the movie had something to do with it. After the movie, we went out with James and some of his friends. It was fun getting to know new people and enjoying the "city life." When you live in a small town, sometimes you forget how cool it is to live in a city where everything is at your fingertips. We walked back to the hotel and went to sleep on the smallest bed known to man (but still extremely comfortable!)

Saturday

Saturday was our big film day. We went to the end of one block of short films and saw a very funny one called The Caress of the Creature. Very funny. After that, we went to a feature called Great World of Sound, which I really enjoyed. It was a look at the record industry and all the scams that are in place to rip people off by promising them their dreams (for a small percentage of the cost, of course) Having been approached by a "literary agent" who was trying to do the same thing, this film really rang true to me. Of course, in my case I knew enough to check on the "agent" before replying to her (unsolicited) email and found her name on Writer Beware, but some people out there are not as skeptical as I am. So this film, although it was a feature rather than a documentary, still talked about a real issue that is very serious. After that, we saw another feature called Hannah Takes the Stairs. It was... interesting. Actually, I found the process they used to make the film a lot more interesting than the film itself, if that makes any sense. After that, we went to see another block of short films, but these were made by Alabama filmmakers. I always want to catch at least one block of Alabama shorts, simply because I think it's important to support artists from my state. Some of these shorts were really good! I especially enjoyed these: "Lunch," "Cutting Teeth," and "Mr. Extion." I love short films because it takes some talent to make a point or tell a story in such a short time. It's like flash fiction, which is something I've dabbled in but am nowhere near good at yet. Maybe one day... But anway, after seeing the block of shorts, we went to a sandwich/coffee shop and had something to eat before the final feature of the day. And it was the best movie we saw all day, in my opinion. In fact, I believe it was my favorite film of the entire festival. Blood Car is a funny, crazy ride from beginning to end. It's the kind of movie you watch with one hand over your wide-open mouth because you are so shocked at what you're seeing on the screen, but you can't stop laughing. Even when you want to look away, you can't because you know.. you just KNOW something even more insane is about to happen. You wouldn't think a horror/comedy would pack a political punch, but this movie does. One of the great things about this film is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. It pushes (and crosses) every possible boundry, but it does it in such a way that the audiences is too busy laughing to be offended. Of course, I'm sure there are people who would be offended by the content, especially a scene near the end, so I'd say this film is not really for people who are overly sensitive. But seriously, I haven't laughed that long in a very long time. The acting is also wonderful. The man who played Archie, the main character, really played the part with charisma and commitment. He starts out so gentle and good and descended into total madness by the end of the movie. This descent is amazing to watch and really, really hilarious. Kudos to the filmmakers. You were the best of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival in my opinion. I won't go into details about the plot, just in case anyone wants to watch the film, but this is the synopsis from their website:

In the near future gas prices have reached astronomical highs nearing $40 a gallon. One man, Archie Andrews, an environmentalist elementary school teacher, is trying to discover an alternate fuel source. While experimenting with wheat grass, Archie accidentally stumbles upon a solution. That solution turns out to be blood. HUMAN BLOOD!

Yeah. See why you need to watch it? After the feature, we went to a festival party and then out dancing after the party ended. It was great! We ended up back at the hotel at about 4:30 the next morning, but it was totally worth it!

Sunday

Only two movies on Sunday, but that was okay because my backside was beginning to become numb from all the sitting! Sunday was more of a day of reflection for us, as we watched two films that, while funny and heartwarming in their own way, were also very touching by showing an intimate portrait of people who face discrimination. For the Bible Tells Me So is a documentary following several Christian families and how they dealt with having a homosexual child. The unconditional love these parents have for their children is inspiring and beautiful. Many religious leaders weighed in on the issue, and the families talked about their own journeys to acceptance of the children they love. Most of the parents even became activists against religious people's treatment of homosexuals. It was very moving. Our final film of the weekend was American Fork. This film is sweet, sad, funny, and touching. It is a look into the life of a lonely overweight man that pulls the audience in and makes every single person watching want desperately to see him happy. It was the perfect movie to end our festival experience with, because we wanted to end it on a high note, but also in a way that would make us think, that would make the feeling linger for awhile even after we got home and went back to our lives. It worked, because I'm still thinking about it.

And so this ends another post about the wonderful Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival. We are already making plans to attend next year.

Getting back into things

Okay, I know it's been awhile... again! I'm going to get back into posting here, starting with my experiences at the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival this past weekend. Suffice it to say, I had an amazing time and I'll post all about it soon!

Also coming soon: New fall shows, season premires, and movies!

Stay Tuned!

Summary of Sidewalk Film Festival

Friday

I was off Friday, so I started driving toward Montgomery to meet Chris at about 10 a.m. I arrived at about 1:30 or so, and we took off toward Birmingham. The weather was gorgeous, a perfect driving day, and we had wonderful conversations along the way. He played tour guide as he drove us through some areas that were unfamiliar to me. It was nice to have something interesting to look at while driving. We got to Birmingham at about 4 p.m. and checked into the historic Redmont Hotel. It's the oldest hotel in the city, and it was really quite nice. The Redmont was a host hotel for the film festival, so it was right in the middle of all the action. We got settled, changed clothes, and met up with James, who shared a dorm with Chris in college. He lives in Birmingham, in the coolest loft I've ever seen. We had dinner at this little Mexican place that is actually in a converted fast food restaurant. I think it was a McDonalds. The food was great! The opening night film was The Ten. This movie was very funny and strange. We laughed pretty much nonstop.

Saturday
Saturday was our big film day. We went to the end of one block of short films and saw a very funny one called The Caress of the Creature. Very funny. After that, we went to a feature called Great World of Sound, which I really enjoyed. It was a look at the record industry and all the scams that are in place to rip people off by promising them their dreams (for a small percentage of the cost, of course) Having been approached by a "literary agent" who was trying to do the same thing, this film really rang true to me. Of course, in my case I knew enough to check on the "agent" before replying to her (unsolicited) email and found her name on Writer Beware, but some people out there are not as skeptical as I am. So this film, although it was a feature rather than a documentary, still talked about a real issue that is very serious. After that, we saw another feature called Hannah Takes the Stairs. It was... interesting. Actually, I found the process they used to make the film a lot more interesting than the film itself, if that makes any sense. After that, we went to see another block of short films, but these were made by Alabama filmmakers. I always want to catch at least one block of Alabama shorts, simply because I think it's important to support artists from my state. Some of these shorts were really good! I especially enjoyed these: "Lunch," "Cutting Teeth," and "Mr. Extion." I love short films because it takes some talent to make a point or tell a story in such a short time. It's like flash fiction, which is something I've dabbled in but am nowhere near good at yet. Maybe one day... But anway, after seeing the block of shorts, we went to a sandwich/coffee shop and had something to eat before the final feature of the day. And it was the best movie we saw all day, in my opinion. In fact, I believe it was my favorite film of the entire festival. Blood Car is a funny, crazy ride from beginning to end. It's the kind of movie you watch with one hand over your wide-open mouth because you are so shocked at what you're seeing on the screen, but you can't stop laughing. Even when you want to look away, you can't because you know.. you just KNOW something even more insane is about to happen. You wouldn't think a horror/comedy would pack a political punch, but this movie does. One of the great things about this film is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. It pushes (and crosses) every possible boundry, but it does it in such a way that the audiences is too busy laughing to be offended. Of course, I'm sure there are people who would be offended by the content, especially a scene near the end, so I'd say this film is not really for people who are overly sensitive. But seriously, I haven't laughed that long in a very long time. The acting is also wonderful. The man who played Archie, the main character, really played the part with charisma and commitment. He starts out so gentle and good and descended into total madness by the end of the movie. This descent is amazing to watch and really, really hilarious. Kudos to the filmmakers. You were the best of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival in my opinion. I won't go into details about the plot, just in case anyone wants to watch the film, but this is the synopsis from their website:

In the near future gas prices have reached astronomical highs nearing $40 a gallon. One man, Archie Andrews, an environmentalist elementary school teacher, is trying to discover an alternate fuel source. While experimenting with wheat grass, Archie accidentally stumbles upon a solution. That solution turns out to be blood. HUMAN BLOOD!

Yeah. See why you need to watch it? After the feature, we went to a festival party and then crashed for another night.

Sunday

Only two movies on Sunday, but that was okay because my backside was beginning to become numb from all the sitting! Sunday was more of a day of reflection for us, as we watched two films that, while funny and heartwarming in their own way, were also very touching by showing an intimate portrait of people who face discrimination. For the Bible Tells Me So is a documentary following several Christian families and how they dealt with having a homosexual child. The unconditional love these parents have for their children is inspiring and beautiful. Many religious leaders weighed in on the issue, and the families talked about their own journeys to acceptance of the children they love. It was very moving, and really hit home the fact that love can truly conquer all, and that parents don't stop loving their kids even if their kids are living a life the parents don't approve of or agree with. The scenario that really affected me most was the mother who talked about how she condemed her daughter for being a lesbian, and as a result, her daughter committed suicide. I truly believe that no matter how you feel about the way someone lives, if you love them, you love them no matter what. Our final film of the weekend was American Fork. This film is sweet, sad, funny, and touching. It is a look into the life of a lonely overweight man that pulls the audience in and makes every single person watching want desperately to see him happy. It was the perfect movie to end our festival experience with, because we wanted to end it on a high note, but also in a way that would make us think, that would make the feeling linger for awhile even after we got home and went back to our lives. It worked, because I'm still thinking about it.

And so this ends another post about the wonderful Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival. We are already making plans to attend next year.