Friday, January 04, 2008

Under the Weather with Beautiful Films

This is a picture of my very cozy, especially-nice-when-I'm-sick slippers.

On New Year's Eve, I came down with something harsh. I was driving home after my second 12-hour shift at the maternity unit, and I suddenly felt feverish and really dizzy. We were scheduled to dress up for a party that night, but when I got home, I mumbled something about needing to stay back, and I crawled into bed.


The next day was even worse. I had the chills, a pounding headache, a really bad sore throat and a rattly, tight chest and hacky cough. What a mess! I laid in bed almost the entire day.


And on January 2nd, when I felt even worse, I pulled myself into see my doctor and was given the diagnosis of rip-roaring Tonsillitis and Sinusitis. Whew!


I have now been on Biaxin for two days and feel a slight improvement. I was lying in bed today, feeling very sick and sorry for myself. And I started to wonder about the term "under the weather." And it suddenly felt like a fitting thing to say. Especially as I gazed out at the heavy, grey winter sky. I DID feel "under the weather" in my spirit, just plain blah and depressed.


I don't want this post to be depressing, though. My intent is to talk about three beautiful films that we have watched while I am "under the weather".


The Black Stallion

Once

A River Runs Through It


I have seen A River Runs Through It before, and I absolutely love it. Even watching it for the 3rd time was just as powerful for me. And it's one of my husband's favorites, so it was fun to watch it with him.


But the other two suprised me with beauty. My husband bought The Black Stallion for my daughter after Christmas. And I figured it would be more geared toward children. I found it meaningfully multi-layered and soul-filled, with a great deal of depth. And I loved the artistry between the young boy and the Stallion.


One scene in particular is astounding in it's grace and gentleness . They are alone on a beach, and the boy wants nothing more than to ride the stallion. He lures the horse into the waves, until they are both swimming, and then mounts him while they are weightless. The stallion surges forward out of the waves and onto the sand. The young boy hangs onto his wild mane and rides bareback along the shore. Breathtaking.


And Once is a beautiful, foreign film that takes place in Dublin. It is the story of two friends who meet, and help one another find their purpose in life. It is poignant and heartbreaking. Especially for anyone who loves to travel, it is a journey into another parallel place in time. And the soundtrack! Gorgeous.


So, I suppose being sick isn't ALL bad. Just kinda bad. sniffle.


I'll give an updated report when I am above the weather!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kel,
"A River Runs Through It" is also a great book. The opening paragraphs are some of the best openings I've read ... hope you're feeling better!
KGB

Anonymous said...

I remember watching the Black Stallion so many times when I was a child - wishing to race across a beach like that with a horse. Beautiful films. I hope you feel better soon, dear Kel.

MamaMonk said...

Thank you both, for the well wishes! And KGB, yes! I agree that the book is wonderful. I read it with my dad a few years back and some of the lines still stick with me--

Amy@Life Breaths Photography said...

"The Black Stallion" is my hands-down favorite of all-time movie. I have loved it ever since I read the book and watched the movie when I was little girl. I still have the picture book from the movie my parents gave me for Christmas one year. It's binding and corners are tattered and torn but it is one of my treasured possessions. Glad to hear you're feeling better.