Iron Man 3

It's raining out. I love the rain. It's not the torrential downpour, just a little more than a drizzle.  What do I love doing on days like this, a movie?  Yes!  So I dragged my son to see Iron Man 3 at a dollar fifty movie.

Although this movie has been out for months, I think it's still fair to share.  A note, there are spoilers.

I enjoyed the movie immensely. It may not be the best Iron Man, but I was taken on a thrill ride. I thought there was just enough of Tony Snark, as in his snarky jabs were just enough to carry a slight edge of mean and wit that made me laugh. I earlier had said Mr Robert Downey, Jr did not wish to film another  Iron Man.  I learned today, filming is taking place in (Georgia?). This information comes from The Today Show 8/27/2013. Yeah!! This movie was fabulous and everything I expected. Love Mr Downey. 

Up front I have never been a Gwyneth Paltrow fan. I don't get the love affair with her. Gwyneth as Pepper is the weakest character in the series.  At the beginning of this movie Pepper is shown to be in charge of Stark Enterprises, very strong and intelligent. During the course of the show her character becomes weaker. Pepper is taken by Guy Pearce as Aldrich Killian. We are to believe she is weak when she is adorned in her workout attire, with her athletic arms and ripped abs showing?  Her hair as if it has been freshly combed and blows in the wind.  She must be terrified because her skin is glistening. Now she is the weak Pepper?  Pepper is the damsel in distress for our hero Iron Man. This just doesn't work for me. 

On the other hand Don Cheadle is amazing and there just isn't enough of him. He is funny, serious, and athletic. I wish there could be a spin off of this character.  The powers that be don't think he could carry one.  I truly think he is a gifted artist. I wanted more of him since the first movie. The play on the War Machine or Iron Patriot armor bit throughout the movie is comical and does lend to the heroic attitude of the movie, since the suit is red white and blue.

The best scenes in the movie are with Ty Simpkins as Harley, a sort of sidekick to Iron Man. This young man is cute and entertaining. The banter between Harley and Tony is just plain fun.

Ben Kingsley is remarkable, as always and he has a great twist. James Badge Dale was great as the bad guy. And who doesn't love his middle name? The rest of the cast were also great.

This movie is rated PG-13, for violence and brief sexual innuendo. I don't remember any foul language although there may have been.  If I had youngsters I would allow my mature kids say 10 and up to see this movie.

Here is a link that has some very excellent information in regards to the Iron Man and Avengers movie.
http://screenrant.com/robert-downey-jr-avengers-2-3-contract/

It's All Up To You

While I was out to lunch with my cousin, I came across this sign....

 

 

This made me think that I keep forgetting to remember how relevant my attitude, my behavior, my actions, my reactions, and my choices play in my story and those closest to me. 

 

"So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment."

President Thomas S Monson

The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints

I can choose to be angry and feel cheated about the unfair hand life dealt me.  I choose to make lemonade out of my lemons. 

 

Yesterday, I wanted to surprise my husband and weed. I have to be very careful because leaning forward can cause migraines and the pain in my legs increases. He has forbidden this activity. But, me being me: I don't like having limits placed on me, I push myself to do things. Challenge on.

 

So, while trying to pull weeds, keep my head level, my legs positioned just so, and avoid creepy crawlies I received a shocking jolt of cold water raining down upon my face and body. The cold water took my breath.  My mind was not quick to process this situation. Finally my wet self yelled, move it. 

 

Now I am not much quicker than the fasted of turtles. I rolled this way, then that trying to get out of the mud and onto the grass. You would have thought the weeds had come to life making shackles at my ankles and wrists.  My inability to respond with any speed made me shriek.  Incredible! 

 

During my ordeal my sons believed this scene was hilarious.  Really, what kind of warped sons have I raised. Laughing at a gimpy old lady. I should have known they wouldn't come to my rescue. 

Doomed, my failure to give a Weed free flower bed. To top it off I was looking like a drowned rat. Now I had nothing to lose and I joined in the laughter. 

 

After all that, I was able see the joy my predicament brought to my sons.  I was successful in bringing unexpected joy. I cleared a 12 x 18 patch of noxious beasts. 

 

The joy and laughter I shared with my sons is memorable and I have more lemonade. Love to be brimming with the lemonade. 

 

I have taught my sons that we must take the high road in our experiences. To forgive, move forward, and be an example. 

 

Sadly, even at this stage of my life I am still learning how difficult it can be when someone you regard in high esteem lets you down and breaks your heart. 

I'm going through the process of trudging up the rocky, creviced, thorny, stinging nettled road. 

In relation to this, I was talking with my youngest son. We discussed the poem by Robert Frost, entitled The Road Less Traveled. We came to the conclusion that an apropos interpretation of life's road less traveled is giving forgiveness, love, kindness, generosity, and service to those that hurt us. 

 

We need to let go of those heavy burdens. Those words and emotions of blight. It's hard. Life Is Hard! You can heal, have laughter, make progress and yes do hard things. 

I choose to take the road less traveled. It isn't easy, but I can do hard things. It's my journey. I get to choose the beauty I create. 

I have a migraine

I get a lot of headaches/migraines. This picture is one of my surgeries (2010).

I've always had headaches/migraines, the docs say it is one of the complications from having spina bifuda. 

There hasn't been a prescription that has helped. The best thing to help me has been one ibuprofen and one Tylenol with a Dr Pepper, an ice pack on the back of my neck. Sleep mask and quiet. My doctors actual prescription. 

The prescription does help when I remember to catch it before the sparkling lights. 

I have tried oils. I think they also help.

So, what works for you?

Rain Boots

I had so much fun putting this together. I had been watching for children's galoshes at yard sales for weeks. I bought them for $2.50 a pair. I don't know if that's a bargain, but I didn't care. If you are willing to experiment you can make these using any type of boot, just add a plastic lining to help keep the moisture in.

The day was sunny and I had all the tools to build a fun flower bed o' boot(s). This project took about 20 minutes. First use a large drill bit to make the holes in the soles of the boots. I made about 8 holes. I left the foot liner in the boot, but pulled out the insole. Be careful not to slip, the drill bit bounces a bit (ha ha). After drilling the holes fill the boot with pebbles up to the ankles. Place the garden soil in the boots 4 inches from the top.  Don't forget to fertilize. I like Miracle Grow. This is both fun and pretty!