A Case of the "Misters"

I was putting together some ideas on my "Character Crushes" from TV and Movie land - when this last weekend - I got a case of the "Misters". Mr. Rochester, Mr. Thornton, Mr. Ferras, Mr. (Col) Brandon, Mr. Lafroy, , Mr. Bertram, Mr. Bingely, Mr. (Capt) Wentworth, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley - that is.

Peep and I went to see the new Jane Eyre. I've seen several versions of Jane Eyre. And shhh - don't tell anyone - I've never read it. I enjoyed this version - but I am one to appreciate the modern day nuances of cinematography, film, color - and so, thusly - this one is my favorite. Mia Wasikowska (best known for taking a trip to Wonderland with Johnny Depp) was great as the supposedly "plain" (it always cracks me up when they try to mute the looks of the Hollywood starlets) and poor Jane. But, Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester - was, well divine. His voice was mesmerizing for me. I felt happy sinking deeply into another time and fully entrenching in Jane's world. I'm a girl. I like this stuff. Don't judge me. I heard several women at church on Sunday discussing this version of the story - picking it apart for its missed plot points and too-short length. Lovers of the book - all - they felt like it skipped through some of the crucial - Jane-Rochester relationship affirming interactions. Never read it. Didn't know. Thought many of the other movie versions of this story were too long. Loved this one. However, with how much I enjoyed disappearing into this movie created world of years ago - I imagine had I read it - I would have sunk as deeply into all the details that these women were bemoaning were missing. So, I get it. But, I still couldn't hate this telling of this strangely romantic tale. Mr. Rochester never sounded so good.

We headed back to peeps house after the movie - and while I suggested Mario and Toad - she suggested North and South. A 4 hour BBC America TV film of the 22 part serial printed in 1854 in the magazine Household Worlds written by Elizabeth Gaskell and edited by Charles Dickens. Haven't read this novel either (I am a reader...I swear!) and didn't know anything about it. But, 10 minutes in and I was hooked. I was hooked for 4 solid hours! I love these movies. I love in these movies that the be-all, end-all of the romantic experience can be the touch of a hand. Four hours is a long time to wait for some hand holding and a kiss - but, swoon - it was so worth it. Interesting story of industrial England, striking workers, starving poor - an embattled and emblazoned back drop - that just makes it all the more exciting. The same women unhappy with 2011 Jane Eyre, loved North and South save one - who didn't like Richard Armitage - which caused my mouth to gape open. Unbelievable - in this movie he is beautiful - and I love a good complex, thinking, good man. They do not exist in the world I live in - but they do exist in the North and South!




So, yes, all weekend - I had a serious case of the Misters...and I abandoned my Character Crush list for my Misters list. I love these characters and the actors who played them... they are similar in all the best ways. Noble men, respecters of the thinking woman, many of them complex, misunderstood, brooding, gorgeous, courageous, self-sacrificing, good, good, dreamy men - with British accents to boot.

Mr. (Col) Brandon, Sense and Sensibility 1995- Long before Professor Snape appeared on the big screen, Alan Rickman captured the goodness of this patient, devoted man.

Mr. Bertram, Mansfield Park 1999 - Angelina Jolie knew. She was once married to lovely Johnny Lee Miller. He was so charming as Fanny's honest and steadfast, though slow of heart Edmund, it made me mostly breeze right by the fact that Fannie and Edmund are sort of related. The more I think of Mr. Miller, though, the more - I think - he'll always be Eli Stone to me. PS- he also was a fabulous Mr. Knightley in a version of Emma.

Mr. Bingely Pride & Prejudice 2005 - Simon Woods so embodies Mr. Bingelys sweet, unassuming nature - the pairing of Bingely and Jane, the eldest of the Bennett sisters, seem so obvious amidst their very subtle personalities. Simon Woods skin in this movie has a porcelain like beauty.

Mr. Lafroy Becoming Jane2007 - this one is a cheat - I know. Becoming Jane is not some great novel - but it all relates, as the story is a fictional(partially? wholly? who knows)telling of life of Jane Austen. Its still set in the same time period and the characters are still named Mr... and well - I couldn't pass up an opportunity to gush about James McAvoy. I love him. I really love him - even if he did have to wear 3 inch lifts for this movie to be taller than Anne Hathaway. Mr. Lafroy is the least noble of all these Misters as well. He is somewhat forced (by beloved Jane) to choose money over love. But, James McAvoy so convincingly falls in love with Jane that all un-nobleness is forgiven. A good heart break also makes for a good story.

Mr. (Captain) Wentworth Persuasion 1995 - Though he also played Mr. Rochester in a TV version of Jane Eyre, Ciarán Hinds broody aloof-ness - was the perfect fit for the ambitious seaworthy Captain. Always with scour, Hinds is the quintessential Mister in some respects - embodying all the complexities and nobilities of a "Mr." with such ease.

Mr. Ferrars Sense & Sensibility 1995 - Hugh Grant at his bumbling best. With all goodness of heart, Mr. Ferras must resolve his previous engagement before offering his hear to the silent, sensible, but desperately in-love Ms. Elinor Dashwood. Usually, I have such an issue with well known faces in these Mr. roles - I like when they are unknown actors - because they can forever be that character. But, for some reason, Hugh's Mr. Ferras transcends this rule, and his patient bumbling and constant misunderstanding of circumstances makes me love Mr. Ferras even more.


Mr. Knightley Emma 1996 - Jeremy Northam is just lovely, lovely, lovely as the honest and true, noble and kind friend to Emma, Mr. Knightley. "I shall now call you MY Mr. Knightley." Um..yeah, Emma - took the words right out of my mouth.

Mr. Rochester Jane Eyre 2011 - Michael Fassbenders voice is "like butta" to me. And Mr. Rochester is so complex, so many secrets, so dark, so needing to be saved by a woman - Michael Fassbender made me really believe he wanted to tell Jane, and made me overlook - the general ickiness in the crazy, dangerous wife in the house part of this story. In the end, though, he is found to be noble and good and only after he is wounded (read: redeemed) do we find him truly worthy of Jane.

Mr. Thornton North & South 2003 - Richard Armitage come stand sideways in my window so I may forever stare at your profile. He made Mr. Thornton so complex - so clearly troubled, so trying to do the right thing. The slow reveal of his true character in this story is intriguing - and it is easy to understand Margaret's draw to him AND refusal of him all at once. A furrowed brow never looked so good.

Mr. Darcy Pride & Prejudice 2005 (1995?) - There are so many arguments about the best telling of this story. And I gotta say I'm squarely on the Matthew McFadyen team. I love Colin Firth - he is many things to me...Mr. Darcy, Mark Darcy, Henry Dashwood, Harry, Lord Wessex, George and most recently King George VI (never has there been an Oscar so deserving!) Because of all of this - he can not be my Mr. Darcy. Though he is dreamy as Mr. Darcy, Matthew McFadyen has my heart as his portrayal of this iconic character overtook me! Walking through a field as the sun rises in an ankle-length jacket - wow. He was icy, but still mysterious...and then mysteriously compassionate. It was much easier to understand and replicate the feeling and draw to Mr. Darcy from the book for me with Matthey McFadyen. Mr. Darcy is all of the Misters in some way - misunderstood, brooding, complex, noble, devoted, patient, good and still prideful with prejudice - and somehow perfect.

Oh, great - how will I ever get over this case of the Misters? I need to return back to reality - but seriously - sometimes I don't like it here - anyone got a good book - preferably a period piece?

A Kinder, Gentler Idol

I just wrote a blog entry with the same title on my-much like this one -long neglected, OTHER blog about this years American Idol. But, this entry is about a different idol. My branch puts on an annual Idol competition - complete with a Ryan Seacrest, a panel of judges, audition rounds, commercials, voting and of course the talent. Talent is used loosely here - as merely enjoyable entertainment by anyone willing to try.

I invited my musical snob peep to attend. First, you should know she has an incredible voice. Incredible. I have been to many church events - stake conferences where she has been asked to sing. She knows music. She does. I like to talk American Idol with her - because she is a music snob - she rarely likes anyone (I tend to like most) and really understands the technical aspects of singing - she really appreciates a good key change, a difficult harmony and is very discerning about who is "good". I tend to get wrapped up in the emotion of the moment...and while I am keen to break down the elements that are making me fall in love with a particular contestant - I still fall in momentary love. That kid with turrets - love him! Now, I had never been to one of these branch Idol events. I did not know what to expect. I was not disappointed - and had the unexpected joy of watching my peep squirm, cover her ears and finally surrender to it - and begin suggesting we do a number next year playing our "nose flutes".

Now, the mention of nose flutes might suggest that the show was some sort of silly variety show - but it wasn't. It was all singing save one contestant who played the keyboard and guitar - whose musical genre - I can best describe as akin to John Corbetts character's music in Serendipity. And if you don't know what kind that is, I've just given you a good reason to watch this delightful movie. He was the first number - and peep sent me a text in the middle that said, "is there a time limit"? She had not yet surrendered... the number was long - but the guy could really play and had a vibe all his own. A few contestants sang along with the original singers/tracks of their chosen numbers - my particular row in the crowd discussed charging the stage during a lively Bon Jovi and contestant version of "Its My Life". A few funny characters emerged - Ms. Marmalstein and Hanz - in character and costume and delivered quite entertaining numbers. The sheer irony of a girl singing "I'm just a girl who can't say no" from Oklahoma to a crowd of singles was hilarious. She was good too. There were several truly earnest numbers - a few who accompanied themselves and sang from the piano, and a few willing to tackle the big voices - with a Josh Grobin number and a Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand duet. Many contestants had their nerves get the better of them, many experienced sound and technical difficulties, one even had a wardrobe malfunction. But many didn't - and for each number there was at least one moment when their true talent shone through.

The judges - the judges were amazing. Finding the kindest, gentlest, funniest comments to make despite the performance trials facing a few of the numbers. There was a Simon judge - like Simon only in his tone of delivery - because no one was out to dash dreams here. There was a Paula - kind hearted and silly - and a Randy of sorts - using his "dawg" whenever possible and relying heavily on his personal relationships with the contestants to comment. He was fun to watch during the performances as he and the Paula judge muffled their giggles and did their best (quite unsuccessfully) to hold a straight face during some of the more earnest and unintentionally funny endeavors. And then there was the last judge - she completely transformed herself into a witty, famous persona - with something to say. She committed to the character and her delivery was always funny. Her performance as judge was one of the most entertaining numbers of the night.

The Branch Presidency and their wives did an intermission number titled "Sonny and Cher, Sonny and Cher and Sonny and Cher" complete with costumes and some amazing lip syncing and choreography. Hey, you don't get such entertainment during commercials for TV Idol! It was a sight to behold!

The emcee - the Ryan Seacrest if you will - was a born host. Sticking to the American Idol script - announcing over and over again how much we need "your vote" very Seacrest. She was amazing and brought the house down at the end of the night with a specialized version of "9 to 5". I seriously dug her. She spoke in church once and gave one of those talks I can still remember for its amazing message and her presentation - she is a natural performer. I gotta get to know her. I think we would be fast friends.

Finally, kudos to all the work on this event. They even had pre-taped "audition" rounds set up exactly like idol...with the yellow papers and contestants "going to Hollywood". They had the big microphone image displayed on the back of the stage. The Idol music, their own version of the Idol icon. I noticed it all and took it all in. For a girl who would LOVE to put together an event like this - who would love to put all those details into a night like this - who would love to direct or produce one of the 'talent acts' - I loved it. I appreciated it. I know how much work it was and I was so happy to enjoy it - even my peep got it and eventually came to love it.

All in all - definitely a kinder, gentler idol than the one seen on TV. More a contest of courage dashed with a display and array of talent and entertainment. The winner was humble and happy and quick to get out of the limelight. As all bravery had been used for her performance. Brave and amazing. That is the best description of the talent. Because, tell you what, you wouldn't catch me up there - not even playing the nose flute. Edwards out!

PS- Happy Birthday, Amber! Miss you cute girl! Love you! You'll always be my frog!

Grammar Snob

So, I think I'm a grammar snob. I correct people in my head all the time - but I've been known to make bold corrections in conversation. What a snob I am. Is it better if I always feel bad about needing to do it? I just can't stand it, sometimes - it makes my ears bleed.

Agreeance is not a word. It isn't. It makes me crazy to hear it. And it seems to be becoming its own colloquialism and I'm not sure why. It is not in the classic dictionary (truth be told - it has been added to some online dictionary sites - oh the shame! It is listed in the official "COMMON ERRORS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE" book - online dictionaries (dictionary.com - I mean you) be damned!), and typically when people use it, they are meaning 'agreement' and just getting the word wrong. There are a few blogs out there referencing this term as a new term in the corporate world. Really? I'm guessing someone said it in a big boardroom meeting and no one dared question it. Nevertheless, one of my peeps chose to use it the other day and I asked her to look it up. Now, she knows its not a word - but she also knows it makes me crazy to hear it. Never give those you love such power. Now, she delights in fitting it in wherever possible. Her presentation is priceless. She says it like a cheesy joke, with a pause for the drum beats - ba da bum. And she says it with such pride. It is actually funny. I still hate it.

PLUS, the next day after our word discussion, where we were definitely not in "agreement", another one of my peeps offered that we should 'nip that in the butt'. To which I replied, 'nip it in the what?'. And when she said 'butt' - I started chuckling. I felt like a jerk. Of course, its 'nip it in the bud'. And I had to launch into some explanation about the phrases gardening origins. Snob. Snob. Snob. Don't worry, she gets her revenge regularly, when she, with a sly smile, tells me she is in 'agreeance' with me. And that just 'ain't' right!

PS - Punctuation snobs - who would have a heyday with my writing - I feel your pain!

Blogsample

I spent a lot of time today blog-stalking. Well, maybe not fully stalking - he did advertise a post on facebook...an invitation to all - so maybe just stalking in the sense of he didn't know I was reading all his entries for the past three years. I laughed. I cried. And one specific entry from 2008 changed my perspective of a small struggle I have been experiencing. I read it and I was better for it. Well written, so funny, so sincere, so well-meaning, so observant and an open testimony of Jesus Christ. His beliefs weave seamlessly between college sports, friendly fun and family antics. His words are lovely, of good-report AND praiseworthy. Certainly something to seek after. An amazing Blogsample!

It made me think about blogging - about the things I've chosen to express about my life (though not in a loooong time), and I realized that my testimony of Jesus Christ is fully missing from my writing. I thought of lots of excuses - its so personal, no one wants to read that - and doesn't my testimony shine through some of my actions? Why have I left this out? I read through all of these entries about my 'alien' life - and I kept it so surface and silly - I neglected to mention the sustaining power in the experience. Never once did I mention the many moments I felt attended by angels or the unique and specific and wonderfully calming experience I had in preparation for their arrival - or the sheer volume of charitable people who supported and uplifted me and whose purpose in my life can only be described as they were 'on the Lord's errand'. Such tremendous joy, such tremendous sorrow, such tremendous growth. I felt the buoying and supporting and healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ - in a way I never knew existed. I was blessed - even though I was so sourly not at my best - a great deal of the time. I do look back on that time with some regrets - for specific actions or arguments - and for missing moments and opportunities when I could have done it better. Poor parents - does that ever go away?

In looking back, its results were good - everyone moved on to better and greener pastures - and miracles happened - one after another after another. I know of miracles. I do. I'm still searching and defining the post-alien world - its been 2 and a half years- and that 14 months still stands as the most life changing period of my life - there is definitely a before and after. I wonder for myself in this world that still at times feels 'alien' - if miracles can still happen - if they can still happen to me. I've been privy to great things - its hard to imagine there could still be more - but there has to be. There is. I know I have continued purposes in this life. I know there is a plan. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World and He is the one to save me from all of the things that bind me. I know His Atonement is not solely about forgiveness, it is about relief and love and sustaining. I feel priviledged to be able to feel and recognize the Spirit of my Heavenly Father. I know how to hear Him. I just have to Listen.

This testimony is what is missing from these musings. I've never been embarassed by this knowledge, in fact, I've always sought to share it and sought to help others and myself understand it. And, thanks to some Facebook advertising and the beautiful musings and messages of a fellow believer - I know I want my life in print to relay and weave my testimony between my pop culture obsessions and my family silliness - as seamlessly as it is truly woven in the fabric of my life.

Clear!

I think most of the musings in my head could start with the line, "there is a line in this John Mayer song". I worship at the ground of his lyrics. Words already resonate deeply with me - but a lot of his... well - they make me think.

There is this line in this John Mayer song...

"You know it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then the circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining"

I've been thinking a lot about the people in my life willing to "defend the silver lining" of my world. There are a few choice people in my world who have very literally been surrounding me with those life paddles you see on all the medical shows screaming "Clear!" to the difficulties surrounding me - desperately working to bring me back to life. And, the monitor is beeping - and the beeping is getting stronger. I have begun to breathe new life - in many ways my heart has been shocked back to life. I'm pretty sure I'm still hooked up to machines keeping me going, but I am starting to breathe on my own again. And I've still got a team coming in and out defending the silver lining of it all. How lucky I am for that surrounding circle of goodness, wellness, love and friendship. Love my peeps!