Poems past, present and in celebration of National Poetry Month

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I had the privilege as a seventh-grader to have an English teacher who encouraged his students to seek out poetry that moved them. One assignment from him was to write down a handful of favorites along with the reasons that we liked those particular poems.

teen binder 

As this teacher understood that song lyrics were poetry that resonated with teens, my selections included several song lyrics — and far too revealing explanations on why...

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Saturday movie review: 'Enough Said'

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I love that movies in which characters face — and struggle with — an empty nest are becoming more and more popular of late. I've been there, know how difficult it can be. So such movies resonate deeply with me and make me more full appreciate that I've made it through the initial challenges of accepting the change and loss and embrace (for the most part) the opportunities and delights of this phase of life.

Enough Said

Which is why, even though I'm not a middle-aged divorcee in search of...

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Winter wonderland: The Breckenridge Ice Castle

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Though many folks across the country may be tired of cold and snow, the following is a recap of my recent encounter with cold and snow — ice, actually — as you've likely never seen it.

Breckenridge Ice Castle

On Saturday, Brianna, Andrea, Jim and I took advantage of free tickets I received to review the Ice Castle at Breck, one of only three such icy palaces in the country. (If you're in Colorado, be sure to see the giveaway below...

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Saturday movie review: Top 10 DVDs of 2013

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Instead of reviewing one movie for you today, I'm going to give you ten — the top 10 DVDs Jim and I watched in 2013. If it's on this list, consider it a movie I recommend, a movie I want to share with you before moving on to reviewing newer flicks of 2014.

This is not a definitive list of what I consider the top movies released on DVD last year, as my husband and I do see a lot of movies in the theater, many of which are now out on DVD. These are just our favorites of those we saw last year for the first time on DVD — not in the theater — listed in...

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Saturday movie review: 'Nebraska'

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Charming NEBRASKA sneaks up on you then firmly lodges itself in your heart. Not Nebraska the state, but NEBRASKA the low-key, low-color — no color, in fact — film currently garnering kudos from critics across the country.

I had the opportunity to screen NEBRASKA at the Life@50+ Conference in October as part of the Movies For Grownups film series from AARP. I wasn't quite sure...

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Saturday movie review: Obscure, must-see Christmas film edition

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Nativity! starring Martin Freeman

So you've gone through the classic (and not so classic) Christmas movies. You've watched it all, from White Christmas to Polar Express, A Christmas Carol from various years to A Christmas Story for sure, on to The Grinch, Love, Actually, While You Were Sleeping and possibly even Joyeux Noel, too (those last three being faves of mine). Yet you're still craving more festive film fun.

Well, my friends, have you seen NATIVITY!?

No, not that nativity. This...

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Saturday movie review: 'Saving Mr. Banks' — plus a film freebie for readers

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Saving Mr. Banks poster

As is the case with, well, pretty much everyone around the world, MARY POPPINS has long been a favorite Disney film of mine. I loved it as a child, shared it with my now-adult daughters, and it's the first live-action Disney movie I shared with my eldest grandson — who was immediately enchanted by the film though not quite three years old at the time. 

Because of my affection for MARY POPPINS, I looked forward to SAVING MR. BANKS from the moment I'd heard about the film. I had the good fortune of attending...

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'Gene Kelly: The Legacy' — Patricia Kelly on her late husband, plus exclusive Q&A

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In one of the highlights of last month's Starz Denver Film Festival experience, Jim and I had the fabulous opportunity to attend Gene Kelly: The Legacy — An evening with Patricia Ward Kelly. As guests of Mrs. Kelly. What a fabulous treat it was.

Patricia Kelly on Gene Kelly

Patricia Kelly's two-hour, behind-the-scenes presentation highlighted her late husband's life and legacy in a sentimental, intimate manner no other biographer might be able to do. "Since I had the privilege of recording his words nearly every day for over ten years," Mrs. Kelly told me...

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Saturday movie review: 'At Middleton'

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Many readers know I have a, well, history with the romantic comedy AT MIDDLETON, starring Andy Garcia and Vera Farmiga. I first saw the film at the AARP Life@50 Conference in Atlanta in October and afterward had the unexpected and delightful opportunity to meet — and hug! — Andy Garcia. The memorable moment was a fantastic closing to my AT MIDDLETON experience.

Quotes from AT MIDDLETONOr so I thought. Turns out that was just the beginning.

Through an interesting turn of events, I ended up covering the red carpet screening of AT MIDDLETON at the Starz Denver Film Festival in November. I photographed and spoke to not only...

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Holiday movie review: Disney's 'Frozen'

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The holiday season is undeniably a hot time for film releases. Disney's FROZEN is one of the hottest for those looking for a movie that will appeal to not only both genders but to a wide range of ages, too, from the tiniest moviegoers on up to their grandmas and grandpas.

Disney's FROZEN

I say that with confidence based on my recent viewing of FROZEN, which I had the opportunity to do for free, courtesy Disney. My husband and two...

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