Cri de Coeur

I try to be the kind of person who doesn't get all giddy about fictional characters, however I recently viewed the best movie ever! And I think I am indeed slightly giddy about the leading man. The film is "North and South" -- BBC version, not about the civil war, totally, completely, could not be more, different thing entirely. Anyway. It was very well done and it contains the absolutely most romantic scene I have ever seen in a movie. I cried, it was so, so utterly perfect. I read the book last fall and thoroughly enjoyed it and, as with many books, I assumed the movie would not do it justice. I was wrong and even though they changed it, it was -- dare I say it? -- even better. So with your next spare four hours, you just might want to check it out.

Speaking of crying during movies, Ibby does. It is quite endearing. Twice during the Christmas break she was watching movies and bawling. I, of course, immediately conjecture that one of the other children are misbehaving. I storm in, "What is going on here?" Huffing, puffing, etc. Ibby, who can hardly talk, says haltingly, "Her dad had to go away." (That was "Kit Kitteridge"). Ahhh, there, there, dis doodness (as my mom would say). How cute. The other tear-jerker was "Spirit." Like mother like daughter, and I am like my father. Just passing down the lacrimal glands. I know a new word there for all of you to enjoy.

Today is the beginning of a new diet -- oh, I mean lifestyle -- and I mean to really stick with it this time. This morning as I looked down at the bulk around my middle I started to think disdainful thoughts about it, but then I stopped myself and thought how immensely grateful I am for my body. It has brought five children into the world, it does lots of work every day, it hardly ever gets sick, it hugs and holds and loves -- so I need to love it back and not be so negative . I hope that by changing my tune in this way I can take better care of myself and stay motivated for all the right reasons.