Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?

I sit here writing this blog basking in my post-Wizard of Oz glow. Last night was the first screening of TIFF Bell Lightbox's program TIFF in the Park. The summer-long program consists of free outdoor screenings at David Pecault Square beside Roy Thompson Hall. This summer, the chosen theme is musicals, which is of course, my absolute favourite theme! Last night, filmies and families alike gathered around to watch the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. You know, Toronto gets a bad rap sometimes - we are often called a dirty, rude, and dangerous city. But the fact of the matter is, I love that we can screen The Wizard of Oz outside in the very heart of downtown, steps away from King Street. It doesn't get much more wholesome and delightful than that.

For me, The Wizard of Oz is one of those movies I always forget how much I love watching. I am a huge Judy Garland fan (not surprising, I know) and I love seeing her baby-faced and innocent in her break out role as Dorothy. She is almost sickeningly sweet, but that is the appeal. Garland pulls it off because she is so bright eyed and believable. She really does just want to get home to Kansas and we are pulling for her every step of the way.

My obsession with Judy Garland aside, it is a film that has aged very well. I was amazed at how beautiful the Technicolor looked on the big screen. It was delectable. Munchkinland and Oz come to life through saturated greens, yellows, blues, and reds. Seventy years later, The Wizard of Oz is still a visual masterpiece. The Wicked Witch's puffs of smoke, the horse that changes colours in Oz, the Yellow Brick Road, and even as small a detail as the red sand in the Wicked Witch's hourglass, all jump off the screen and add to the fantasy and whimsy of the film.

Nearing 11:30 last night, the film finally came to a close. The ending is my favourite part. Dorothy is tearful as she bids farewell to her new friends, the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. With his recently gained heart, the Tin Man exclaims "Now I know I've got a heart, 'cause it's breaking." For the record, that line caused the entire audience to utter a collective "awww!" - so who says Torontonians are cold? All in all, it was a fabulous evening spent with fabulous people and I can't wait for next week's screening of the French musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Catherine Deneueve at her best!). See everyone there!

Odd Couples

Friends are awesome. So are movies about them. However, not all pals go together like peanut butter and jelly, or Thelma and Louise. Some movies are about how opposites attract when two completely different people develop a most unlikely bond. These are my ten favourites of this unsung sub-genre!

Up
No one does the odd couple flick like Pixar. Whether it's Buzz and Woody, or Dory and Marlin, Pixar has it down pat. My favourite, though, is Carl and Russell in the lovable Up - a crotchety old man who has lost his beloved wife and an adventurous young boy who needs a friend. Together they soar through the sky in a house lifted by balloons, coming across adventures along the way. The reason Up works so well is that Carl is everyone's grandfather and Russell is everyone's little brother. Both characters are so tangible; we all know people just like them. It is a pairing we'd all like to imagine happening in real life. Is there anything more endearing than watching an old person and a little kid enjoying each other's company? I doubt it.

About a Boy
This is Hugh Grant doing what Hugh Grant does best. He plays Will, a curmudeonly, rich Brit who thinks "every man is an island." On the other end of the spectrum is Marcus, played by Nicholas Hoult. He is a nerdy, sensitive kid who gets teased at school. Long story short, Will joins a single parents support group (despite not even being a parent, let alone a single one) to meet damaged, attractive women. Karma decides to have a sense of humour and Will ends up meeting Marcus, who is the son of one of the women in the group. At first Will is reluctant, but soon begins to warm up to Marcus and they develop a relationship that seems genuine and mutual. This is a movie about what we can learn from each other. Sounds cheesy, but coming from an adaptation of a Nick Hornby novel, it has all the wit and charm one could want in a movie.

Midnight Cowboy 
For all you youngsters, this one's a classic. It stars Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, as two outcasts trying to make it in New York City. It's a heartbreaking story, but one worth watching. It goes to show that you can find a friend when and where you least expect it. Both actors are extraordinary in their roles. Not to mention, it is a blessing to see Dustin Hoffman pre- Meet the Fockers. Equipped with a killer theme song sung by Harry Nilsson, famous lines, and an ahead of its time perspective, Midnight Cowboy is a total must-see.

Ghost World 
Thora Birch and Steve Buscemi form the odd couple in Ghost World. Thora Birch plays Enid, the clichéd indie girl with a chip on her shoulder. Just graduated from high school, she is trying to figure out what to do with her life. Steve Buscemi plays Seymour, a social outcast who collects records. They cross paths through a practical joke and begin an uncomfortable, co-dependent friendship. This movie is definitely the least warm and fuzzy of the bunch, but it is not without its charm. In the end, there are no life lessons, no everlasting bonds, and no real conclusions. Instead, there is a string of quirky characters, hilarious social commentary, and a true to life script.


Harold and Maude
This is my personal favourite of the group and a movie I hold very near and dear. It is about Harold, played by Bud Cort, who is a young adult struggling to find a reason to live. He goes to funerals as a hobby. Maude, played by the wonderful Ruth Gordon, is an 80-year-old eccentric. She goes to funerals to celebrate life. As fate would have it, they come together and share a short, only-in-the movies kind of romance. In essence, Maude teaches Harold how to live and appreciate each day. While it carries a sentimental message, the film also has a dark humoured edge. Beautifully directed by the wildly underrated Hal Ashby, Harold and Maude is the perfect rainy day, life affirming movie that should be in everyone's DVD collection. Not to mention, the killer soundtrack by Cat Stevens.

Half Nelson
It is no secret that I love Ryan Gosling. My sixteen year old self got him to sign my copy of The Notebook at TIFF and it is now a prized possession. Half Nelson is his Oscar-nominated role as a lonely, rough around the edges teacher in an inner city high school. One of the girls he teaches, played by newcomer Shareeka Epps, catches him in a sticky situation. With their shared secrets, they find a much needed friend and confidante in one other. I like that this film doesn't go into the creepy, affair with a teacher territory - it is simply about two people helping each other through difficult times. This is probably the least known, smallest film on the list, but it is a quiet gem worth seeking out.

Driving Miss Daisy
Who doesn't love Morgan Freeman? Let's be honest, he is the human equivalent to sunshine. For those of you who haven't seen it, Driving Miss Daisy is the story about an old Jewish woman, Daisy, (Jessica Tandy) and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke, (Morgan Freeman) in the old time American South. At first, Daisy is weary of Hoke and racial tensions run rampant, but over the years, Daisy leans on Hoke more than she would have ever expected. Their friendship ascends race, gender, and class, which makes this film such a special one. We've all seen the themes before, but Driving Miss Daisy does it with more heart than any of them. It is probably your grandma's favourite movie, but that isn't always a bad thing!

Hearts in Atlantis
With the novel written by Stephen King, one can expect this film to be a bit odd and spooky. While not a horror, it certainly has a subtle eeriness throughout. It takes place over a summer in the 1950s, when a strange man moves into the apartment above a boy and his mother. Anthony Hopkins is perfectly cast as the mysterious Ted Brautigan who speaks of yellow men and being watched. Bobby, the young boy, spends a lot of time with Mr. Brautigan over the course of the summer and in between does a lot of growing up. With the help of his new friend, Bobby becomes aware of the dangers of the world, but also the beauty of it. For me, this film sums up the nostalgia of childhood summers and coming of age.

Knocked Up
Plain and simple, this movie makes me laugh so hard I almost pee. Also plain and simple, Knocked Up is about what happens when a one night stand ends up in pregnancy as written by Judd Apatow. Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl play as the odd couple who are brought together by the miracle of life. If nothing else, Knocked Up gives all the Seth Rogens of the world hope that they, too, can have sex with the Katherine Heigls of the world. That being said, the two of them have an amazing amount of chemistry and you can't help but want them to live happily ever after. With a hilarious supporting cast and a clever script, Knocked Up is the one to grab if you need a good laugh.

Big Business
Everyone who knows me knows exactly why I picked this one so I won't even try to lie about it. I picked Big Business because of Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler. These two funny ladies play identical twins switched at birth. Before Lindsay Lohan did it in Parent Trap, Lily and Bette play their own twins. One twin of each pair was switched at birth and given to the wrong parents. It is too confusing to explain further so you'll just have to watch it for yourself. I will admit, Big Business has no artistic merit and it is as cheesy as any other 80s movie, but it is a fun romp through New York City with two of the greatest comediennes of all time. What could be bad about that?

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With my list completed, I can safely say that for me, the appeal of these movies are their ability to make us believe that true friends do exist. They are positive examples of the important roles we play in each other's lives. Whether it is through comedy or melodrama, each of these movies make us wish we had friends like the characters we are watching. And if you're lucky, you do have friends like Maude, Hoke, Russell, and all of the others I've mentioned.

Guilty Pleasures

As soon as anyone discovers I'm a film nerd, they instantly ask "What's your favourite movie?" This is a near impossible question for me to answer. I usually go into a long-winded response about why it is such a difficult decision for me. I have heaps of favourite movies, but more importantly, I have heaps of categories to classify all of these movies. I have my favourite comedy films, horror films, classic films, chick flicks, tearjerkers. Then there are the films I like for whatever personal, biased reason, and films I like because I am a film student.

Last night I went and saw the latest romcom (get over it - I use terms like romcom) No Strings Attached. It has instantly gone onto my guilty pleasure list. The films on this list are movies I'm embarrassed to admit to loving; movies that can't really be classified as serious art. They are the films I can't resist when I see them on television even though I've seen them a million times. They are the films that pick me up after a rough day. These films are like old pals. A very good friend once told me, "don't be afraid of the things you like" - and this post is about that sentiment. I am no longer living in fear. I am ready to tell the world about the awful movies that I think are just plain awesome. 

How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) 

For some reason, this movie cracks me up. After a slew of pathetic Kate Hudson movies (Fool's Gold, My Best Friend's Girl, Bride Wars, Raising Helen) - this movie reminds me of everything I loved about her in Almost Famous. She is charming, cute, bubbly, and lights up a scene. As for Matthew McConaughey - he is a little less obnoxious and sweaty than usual, and I'm okay with that. The two leads have believable chemistry, and by the end, I'm really just rooting for them to live happily ever after already. 

Look Who's Talking (1989)

For me, this is the quintessential lazy Sunday movie. It is probably lingering in my mind because I just re-watched this a few weekends ago. It is one of those movies that I've watched a million times on TV since I was a little kid. When I was a kid, the novelty of a talking baby was hilarious to me. Since then, my comedic tastes have matured, but I still get a kick out of it. I love the camp, cheap gags, and 80s hair. And just for the record, Kirstie Alley was such a bombshell! 

Beaches (1988)

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I absolutely adore Bette Midler. And by adore, I mean I am obsessed with her. I've always loved her, but when I saw this movie at thirteen, it really kick started my love affair with the Divine Miss M. Let's be honest, it is the ultimate chick flick. I have seen this movie probably more times than any other movie. There are just days in life when I really need a Beaches fix. I make all of my friends watch it - of course none of them understand, but that is why this movie is on such a list! Also, Beaches has my favourite terrible movie line: "Hilary, what's yodeling got to do with it?!" If that isn't guilty pleasure gold, I'm not sure what is. 

Adventures in Babysitting (1987)

This is one of those movies that I end up watching every time I catch it on TV. I love the crazy characters Elisabeth Shue and company encounter throughout their pilgrimage. As implausible and outrageous and silly as the entire premise is, I can't help but get sucked into the awkward teen years it personifies. I laugh every time Cris's friend loses her glasses and calls panicked from a pay phone - and ends up mistaking a rat for a kitten. Hilarious!

Uptown Girls (2003)

Who doesn't love a precocious little kid? There's been tons of them in movies, from Tatum O'Neal in Paper Moon to McCauley Culkin in everything. One of my favourites, though, is Dakota Fanning. She took everyone by storm in her debut in I Am Sam.. and since then, she's been winning over my heart as a quick witted, jaded tween. Of course, those days have past, but I like to fondly remember them once in awhile by watching this cutesy flick. By the way, I am totally down with any movie that has a cheesy diegetic music video about Sheets of Egyptian Cotton. 

Serendipity (2001)

Plain and simple, John Cusack has been the perfect guy since Lloyd Dobbler in Say Anything. Why are there not more John Cusack characters in the world? Honourable mention goes to Molly Shannon for being hilarious, as always. 

The Craft (1996)

During the mid 90s, teen witches were all the rage. This movie revels in its awfulness and I love every second of it. I have watched this movie on TBS many an evening and I still enjoy it to no end. How many of you legitimately tried "light as a feather, stiff as a board" after watching this? Everyone? Totally. 

Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999)

Who hasn't fantasized about getting revenge on that one mean, jerk of a teacher? Teaching Mrs. Tingle is about exactly that. It is great to see Helen Mirren letting loose and playing such a lousy role, but bringing tons of gusto into it. She plays cunning and manipulative so damn well! I can't help but watch this movie a few times a year. It is just an unadulterated, ridiculous good time. 

Honourable mentions: White Oleander, Crossroads, Elizabethtown, Stir of Echoes, Hearts in Atlantis, Now and Then, Death Becomes Her, Meet the Fockers, Jawbreaker. 

This category will probably call for another blog post in the near future, but for now, I am satisfied with my list. All of this being said, I hope I have inspired you guys to pull out those dusty DVDs, grab your nonjudgmental friends and watch a few of your own guilty pleasures. 

The Golden Globes 2011

Today is Blue Monday - apparently the saddest day of the year. I can attest to this only because I am suffering from a Post-Globes low. The Golden Globes being over is just a realization that I still have over a month to wait for the Oscars. That being said, I can nurse my depression by reliving last night's festivities through a blog post.

I am sick of hearing everyone complain that The Golden Globes are a joke. Of course they are a joke. Everyone knows they are a joke. You don't watch The Globes for acknowledgment of serious art. And I'm okay with that. The Globes are a night for awkward presenters, drunken speeches, and ridiculous nominations. It isn't as legit as the SAGs, as artsy as the ISAs, or as serious as the Oscars, but that's why The Globes are so much fun!

After a year without red carpet action, I am celeb-hungry and love every second of the fashion hits and misses. These are my picks for best and worst dressed.

Best:

Angelina Jolie

The colour is amazing on her! She looks so old Hollywood glam and I love every inch of it. She doesn't need to show off tons of skin to be oh-so-sexy.

Anne Hathaway

This is more glamorous than I have ever seen Anne Hathaway look! I love the glitz of this dress. She seems to be loving life and that makes me happy. 

Eva Longoria

She is perfect. This is so elegant. Putting anatomy and likeliness aside, I want to have her babies. 

Worst: 

Michelle Williams

You are so cute and talented. Why would you do this to yourself? WHY?

Christina Aguilera

Albeit I hate her and am extremely biased.. but what was she thinking? This has zero class. I am super grossed out by this entire look. 

Halle Berry

This is a nightie, not a dress you wear to an award show! An ugly nightie at that. We know you have a hot bod, you don't have to show us every inch of it. And those shoes? So cheesy. 

I had two major fashion surprises last night. The first being Emma Stone: 

I love the dress - simple and classic. The colour is peach perfect on her. And who knew she was such a bombshell? I love when the smart, funny girls clean up to look like this! She gives me hope. 

My other surprise was Helen Mirren: 

Usually, she is such a GILF. Can I use that term? Either way, she is a stunning woman - charismatic and glowing. However this look does not do it for me! The dress fits strangely and the neckline is awful. And the hair and make-up just don't do her beauty justice. I was disappointed. 

Now onto the awards.

I know there is a lot of backlash for Glee and cast winning a lot of the major awards, but I am happy for them. The thing with Glee is they are all so happy for the success of the show. There isn't an ounce of jaded Hollywood-ness to them and that is extremely endearing. Was there a better moment last night than Chris Colfer winning his first award? It was darling! I loved Lea Michele crying in the audience during his speech. It melted my little black heart. Jane Lynch winning makes me ecstatic because I have been a fan of hers for years. I am so glad she is finally being recognized for her comedic genius. It is long overdue. I was, of course, rooting for Modern Family to win Best Comedy Series because overall it is a much better show, but if Glee is the alternative, I can't complain. 

I was happy with all of the major acting awards. I didn't have much investment in the Best Supporting Actor/Actress categories. However, I love Melissa Leo being recognized because she is phenomenal in everything she does. I'm glad we got to see a crazy Christian Bale speech. For the record, I am so relieved and thrilled and elated that Natalie Portman won Best Actress. I knew it was coming, but there's always that second of doubt before the winner is announced. I have loved her since her early days in movies like Anywhere But Here with Susan Sarandon. She is so adorable and oozes with talent. I was thrilled at Colin Firth's win. It is making up for his loss to Jeff Bridges last year (don't get me wrong, Bridges deserved it). His speech was cute, mentioning how his wife can get him through any age as long as they are together. Awwww, Colin! I like to dream that is speaking to me.. no big deal. 

While I don't necessarily enjoy The Big Bang Theory.. (I KNOW, leave me alone already), it was fun to see Jim Parsons, the nerd of all nerds win. It was even more fun to see Kaley Cuoco's reaction. That made me warm and fuzzy inside. She was possibly more excited than he was. I actually like seeing how co-stars react more than the actual winners. Those moments are some of the only genuine moments in Hollywood. Another genuine moment of the night was the audience giving Michael Douglas a standing ovation. I liked his quick witted "There must be an easier way to get a standing ovation!" - it was a really good moment for me. 

I truly think Darren Aronofsky got robbed last night. Was The Social Network really that great? I think it deserved Best Screenplay.. but beyond that? Eh. I want a movie that makes me feel something; a movie that makes me think. The Social Network was just a solid, straightforward film. I'll be interested to see how it fares at the Oscars. It is a really tight race right now. That being said, I think Aronofsky 100% deserved Best Director. And where were the Coen Brothers in that list? What a sham. I know I said the Globes are a joke and I am okay with that... but there were people and films left out that I can't ignore. Why was Easy A not nominated instead of The Tourist, Burlesque, Alice in Wonderland, or Red? I also think The Town and True Grit were worthy of nominations somewhere. 

I loved Ricky Gervais last night. He goes too far and I love every line crossing, shameless joke. It is Ricky Gervais - people must know what they are getting by now. So everyone should just relax about it. I loved his jokes about The Tourist - "3D was big this year.. everything except for the characters in The Tourist" - I mean, come on, that's clever! I liked his jab at Tim Allen - even if it was an easy shot. I liked the "Sex and the City 2 didn't get nominated.. not even for special effects for the airbrushing of that poster!" "Ashton Kutcher's dad - Bruce Willis!" I'll be honest, a lot of it really cracked me up. 

All in all, I thought it was a pretty good evening. Nothing too outrageous, but it wasn't a snooze fest either. The evening was a little more calm for me because Meryl Streep wasn't presenting or nominated. That means I could kick back and relax more than I usually do. It was a nice break for the both of us, I'm sure! 

Until the Oscars 2011! 

The Black Swan

After watching Darren Aronofsky's The Black Swan, I feel stressed out. If you leave this film and don't feel stressed out, you may want to check your pulse because you're probably comatose. The Black Swan packs a visceral punch unlike any other. While not a horror film, it follows suit with the rest of Aronofsky's work and relies heavily on the abject. In non-film theory terms, The Black Swan distorts Natalie Portman's body and warps our image of the beautiful ballerina into images of bodily disgust. As unappealing as this sounds, it is truly a testimony to Aronofsky's talent as a director. His filmmaking precision mirrors the precision of the on screen ballerinas. As the film goes on, the audience begins to feel as disoriented as Portman's character, Nina. There is a sense of claustrophobia as we follow her through hallways, streets, and the ballet studio. She is trapped by her mother, her dance mates, and most importantly, herself. In true expressionistic style, the film's exterior reflects Nina's interior.

In a mother-child relationship that only Norman Bates himself would be jealous of, Barbara Hershey and Natalie Portman are perfect as mother/daughter. Hershey delivers her lines through gritted teeth and pursed lips in a way that takes haunting to a new level. I'm talking beyond Piper Laurie in Carrie kind of haunting. The tension and chemistry between Portman and Hershey is so believable and unbelievable. They make the Beales look reasonable. Film references aside, Hershey is a force to be reckoned with. And even though I hate her for not signing my Beaches DVD at TIFF this year, I will forgive her and say she has one heck of a chance at Best Supporting Actress come the Oscars. For the record, I'm not usually one to jump on the hype bandwagon, but Portman was perfection. She plays obsessed and deranged in an all too real way, yet I wholeheartedly rooted for her. The magic of her performance is that she makes us understand her passion, drive, and insanity. 

The Black Swan is steeped high in symbolism and Freudian psychology that would make one bad-ass argument for a film paper. This, however, does not detract from the pure entertainment of the film. From the first scene to the very last, Aronofsky keeps you on your tippy toes. His love of cinema shines through every breathtaking scene and proves why he is one of the most challenging directors working today.

I Love.

The way smells carry on the wind in winter. 
I love walking outside on a winter's day around dinnertime. You can smell the food and warmth from each house.

Teachers. 
I have always had giant affection for teachers. I keep in touch with a handful of teachers from my elementary school and high school days. They are some of the most important people in my life.

Blue skies in autumn. 
Maybe it is the contrast to the orange leaves, but blue skies are never so blue as they are in autumn. It is perfect.

Fizzy drinks. 
I crave fizz!

Polka dots. 
When I wear polka dots, I feel like I'm living in a simpler, happier time.

Umbrellas.
Nothing beats walking in the rain under a fabulous umbrella.

When fall days feel like spring days and when spring days feel like fall days.
There is difference in the way the air feels in each season. I like when it gets confused.

Little kids' squeaky voices. 
Innocence.

Used bookstores. 
The smell. The dust. The knowledge. And the quirky characters inside the pages.. not to mention the quirky characters outside the pages.

Wearing other people's clothes.
It's like having a piece of them.

Movie soundtracks. 
They capture a moment in time.

Pop Art. 
I love that art movements create a culture. Pop Art seems like the most fun. And most fabulous.

Saying the right thing at the right time. 
It is such a rare occurrence.

TV on DVD. 
I never have to say goodbye to my favourite characters ever again.

Songs that remind me of a person, place, or memory. 
Music transcends.

11:11
I always make a wish!

Early mornings. 
The world is still crisp and quiet.

Superstitions.
When I find a penny on the ground, I only take it if it is heads up. If it is tails, I flip it over so it is lucky for the next person.

"No way. ME TOO!" moments with people.
It is how most great friendships are started.

Charm.
Is it such a mysterious trait.

Game Shows. 
I just love the camp.

The Paranormal. 
It assures me that this isn't all there is.

Comfortable silence.
The ultimate teller of friendship.

Carole King's "Tapestry"
It has gotten me through the best and the worst.

Summer nights. 
The possibilities are endless.

The first snowfall. 
The electricity in the air.

Picturing my life being shot for a movie. 
I like picking out token indie shots in day-to-day life. I, of course, pick out a song to go with it, too.

The violin.
Passion personified.

Stand-Up Comedy.
It's all in the delivery.

Shoes and Purses.
They always fit.

Watching people being greeted by their family at train stations and airports.
Love.

Knowing I have more than one home. 
I'm lucky.

Surprise e-mails and notes.
I like when people think of me.

Breathing in a moment. 

Because the same one will never happen again.

By Jove, It's Wisconsin!

We have all heard of Southern hospitality. I'm sure the South is wonderful - I mean, it has drawl, twang, magnolias, and Paula Dean wrapped into one charming package. But over the past six days, I've experienced some amazing Midwest hospitality.  For those of you who don't know, Wisconsin is the home of one of my very best friends, Mitch. And in turn, home to some of his best friends who I luckily get to know as well. Mitch and I go back and forth visiting each other. As much as I love when he comes to Toronto, I cherish the time I spend in Milwaukee and West Bend - not to mention the half dozen other small towns within the surrounding area. These are my humble adventures.

I went to the Public Museum in Milwaukee. Mitch worked one morning, so his BFF Jenny's mom, Kathy, offered to take me to Milwaukee. We took the hour bus ride from West Bend into the city where Jenny's husband, Jason met us.

We wandered around the museum for almost three hours.  My favourite was the old village models. There were little houses and businesses to peek into. There are street lanterns and a cobblestone path. It is absolutely darling. My least favourite was the butterfly pavilion. I braved it out though - thank goodness for my hood. God forbid those suckers fly into my hair. Jason said to me, "It's not like they are attack butterflies!" But, let's be honest - stranger things have happened. That being said, I'm proud of myself for standing up to my bug phobia and spending some time getting in touch with the butterfly. I feel like we have a better understanding of each other now.  After the museum, Kathy and I wandered the streets of Milwaukee, deciding to make our way towards the Art Museum. We had a lot of solid family bonding time - even if I was on my cell phone half the time (sorry Kathy!). To paint a picture of Kathy - she walks around saying hello to everybody she crosses. And that is what I love about her! Even if they don't say hi back, she is just so full of bigheartedness that it doesn't even matter. She makes me laugh and I enjoy her take on the world. We walked by an empty building being renovated and on the window there was a sign (left by the former owners I assume) that said "Beware of Dog."  Kathy looked at it and simply said, "Well that's just silly. There can't be a dog in there all by herself!" I think Kathy and I understand and appreciate each other through our shared love of collecting, odd knick knacks, and quirky people. 

Mitch finished work at Starbucks, Jenny finished work at the bank (they bake cookies everyday at her bank! Where do I sign up?), so we all met up for lunch. We did some more wandering - namely into Winkie's which is a Hallmark store on crack and Penzey's which is a store dedicated to spices! 

The evening's weather turned dark and stormy. The sky was brooding. In the distance, the ivory white Art Museum stood in stark contrast to the slate sky. It was striking. Forgive my lousy Blackberry camera, but you'll get the idea either way. It was a picturesque way to end the day. 

I bowled at Classic Lanes in Menomonee Falls. While Milwaukee is a perfectly lovely city, it isn't quite the bustling metropolis that Toronto is. That means we sometimes have to get creative at night. Choosing between two bowling alleys - one described as Jersey Shore and the other described as Average Joe - we flipped a coin.  Fate decided upon Classic Lanes, which was the Average Joe option (although that didn't stop someone in the neighbouring lane to enter in her name as Snooki). We walked in, not knowing what to expect. The lanes were in the basement and on our way down, we passed a giant wall poster that said "This way to the high life" - I don't know about you, but that is enough camp to get me through until the next episode of Glee. And let me tell you, if there ever was a high life, Classic Lanes is it.

We talked to the nonchalant gals working to find out we were just in time for $10 Cosmic All-You-Can-Bowl until 1:30am. About buffets, Ellen Degeneres says "As people, we shouldn't be eating all we can eat." I feel like the same can apply to bowling. For some reason or another, everyone thinks it is hysterical to put in joke names into the scoreboard. Don't act like you're above it. It's one of those classic jokes that never fails to amuse. Jenny, Mitch, and I were Dog, Pony, and Awesome, respectively.

Conversation at Starbucks prior to bowling:
Mitch: where should we move this dog and pony show?
Danita: wait, if one person is dog and the other is pony, what does that make the third?
Jenny: Um, Awesome - because they are hanging out with a dog and pony - WHO TALK!

After three straight hours of bowling, four games, forty frames, a questionable pizza, countless 80s songs, and uproarious laughter, we were ready to go home. 

I went to a barn dance in West Bend. All I have to say about this is you can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl. At first, I was weirded out. Of all the things I've wanted to do in life, a barn dance never came to mind as one of them. Jenny's mom, Kathy, invited us. While we were reluctant at first, I think all of us got something out of it. It was a pot luck organized by a community group that functions as a time bank. Essentially, people volunteer their time and skills to people in need and instead of being paid with money, you get paid with time. If you ever need help, you can cash in your hours and receive assistance. It can be anything from help in the garden to changing a flat tire. If anyone is interested, here is their website: http://kettlemorainecommunitytimebank.org/index.html. As much as we poked fun at the situation, I was happy that I could support such a good intentioned local organization. After an array of gluten-free, vegetarian soups, stews, breads, and pies - it was time to dance. Ain't no party like a barn dance party! However, there was no talk of being fly like a G6 - the music was more dosey-doe style. We were in the corner trying to avoid the hungry, hungry hippies, but Mitch threw me to the wolves as a sacrificial [Canadian] lamb (a tofu lamb). I took one for the team, grabbing hands with an old man and young boy of about ten.  The dance circle was kind of like a giant peace and love blob - enveloping anything or anyone in its path. After getting over my "I'm a cold Torontonian and don't want anyone to look at me, talk to me, or touch me" mentality.. I embraced my surroundings and went with it. The little boy really did it for me - he was just cute as a button. 

Danita: You're pretty good at this!

Boy: I know how to do the four square!

Danita: So if that's next, you can teach me? 

Boy: Well, I don't know about that. It was MANY years ago. I'm a little out of practice. 

Halfway through, he turns to me and says, "I think I'm really getting a hang of this dance now!" with the utmost dedication and sense of accomplishment. But my absolute favourite was when he let go of my hand to wipe his nose and then without hesitation, he grabs my hand again. He just looked at me and said as innocently as possible, "I think I have a grandma disease. I can't breathe out of my mouth right now."  What I wouldn't give to be ten again. As much as I hate to admit it, I left there feeling pretty warm and fuzzy. If anything, it was life-affirming. The fact is, there are good people still out there - even if you have to travel to a barn in the middle of no where to find them. 

I went rollerskating in Cedarburg. My last trip, I spent a lot of time in Cedarburg as Mitch worked at the local Starbucks there. I developed quite an affection for the little town and was happy to be back. I'm convinced it is a town run by elves. It is as close to Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow as one is ever going to get in real life. With its twinkling tree lights, kitschy boutiques, and sleepy air, Cedarburg is a hidden gem. Jenny found out there was a family skate night at the local Skateland so we jumped on the idea.  On the way there, I figured to myself.. I can Rollerblade, and I can ice skate... rollerskating must be the easiest out of the three. I'm okay with admitting when I'm wrong. And for the record, I was wrong. It was HARD. I fell within minutes on the rink. And my thighs are still feeling the burn! Once I caught my balance, I began to enjoy myself. I loved skating around to the music of Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Michael Buble. The whole thing was steeped in nostalgia and that was the best part. It was one of those moments in time I consciously appreciated as it was happening because of its pure sentimentality. Now, I wasn't going to write about this story, but I feel like it would be a shame if it was left untold. There was a wee little kid skating around the rink and I was so terrified of hurting him. I focused on staying away from him as much as possible My plan backfired. Somehow, the next thing I knew, I was about to skate right into him! I didn't want to pulverize him so I grabbed both his arms, held onto him, and I fell backward while I pushed him forward. We ended up in a pile on the ground, but in the end, no one was hurt. He just got up and kept on skating - the little guy didn't think twice about it. Resilience is key out on the rink. Apparently I never learned that lesson because I needed a break to collect myself. I eventually talked myself into going back out, but that was a bad idea. I was skating around and all of a sudden, I see the little kid again! Mitch claims I would have been fine, but I panicked and flopped to the ground to avoid another collision. Suffice to say, I was pretty much done after that. We traded back our skates for shoes and  said goodbye to the smell of play-dough, glow-in-the-dark carpet, drinking fountains, flashing arcade games, and a Teenage Dream (that's a shout out to Katy Perry, in case you missed it). 

I went for a long walk along the river in Milwaukee. Mitch and I had a day to ourselves so we did our favourite thing - walk! We found some interesting things on our journey. Here are three of my favourites.

Now this cracks me up. We saw this stuck onto a metal ramp post. It is hilarious on so many levels. First of all, who references Three Men and a Baby. Second of all, I was like "is that....." "no, it can't be Three Men and a Baby" but then I confirmed the presence of Tom Selleck and his sticker mustache and instantly knew. Mitch can confirm that I laughed for a good eight minutes on this gem. 

This was in someone's garden. Three wigs (?) lined up in a row. I like to think that someone planted people seeds and they are ready to harvest! 

This is just the beginning of a lovely sunset with the river and skyline. The lighting was orgasmic. I wish I had a legit camera. 

I learned how to knit at Jenny's house. Mitch unexpectedly had to work so the incomparable Jenny came through and entertained me for a good part of the evening. I want to give a shout out to Jason for making me a special no-meat spaghetti sauce. My whole life has been picking through my food for things I don't like so I always hold special appreciation for people who do the work for me. I always stress it isn't necessary because at this point, picking out undesirables is second nature to me, but regardless, it is always a gesture that gets me. We had planned to see a movie, but decided we would rather watch a classic. Jenny mentioned she would knit while we watched and I got really excited about it because learning to knit has been a goal of mine for years now. My grandma tried to teach me when I was younger, but I was never successful. I've had many friends tell me they'd teach me, but no one has ever gotten around to it. 

So that was our night. Knitting, Audrey Hepburn, and of course, bonding! Does it get better? Jenny teaching me to knit was one of the nicest things anyone has done for me. As insignificant as it seems, it meant a lot. 

I want to give a mention to our dear pal, Kelsey. She worked with Mitch in Cedarburg and we clicked right away. She is an absolute doll. I told her I was coming and she suggested we go for breakfast bright and early Saturday morning. When Mitch and I agreed, she was so relieved - leaving me this comment on facebook: 

"I knew you were in town, and I've literally thought about how to arrange my schedule to see you for two weeks. I worked wednesday, and i work friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and with school and homework thrown in, i didn't think I'd be able to see you! So I'm very happy. I may not be able to stay super super long, but I'll make sure we have adequate talking time. Yay!"

It probably doesn't get more wonderful than that. I understand what it is like to be working and going to school and I understand how hard it is to make free time. I appreciate her effort more than she knows. I am so happy we got to see each other. 

I am leaving on a jetplane tonight to go back to "up there" (that is how Americans refer to Canada). I am leaving the land of giant sodas, flip flops in November, and custard. When I've thought about traveling the world, Wisconsin was never on my "to-go" list. Life is funny that way. We end up in places we don't expect sometimes. And with that, I think it is safe to say that Wisconsin will always have a piece of my heart. 

On this trip, I: 

1) Learned how to play Quiddler - 

Anyone get the creepy Wisconsin reference?

2. Spent hours in the car singing along to our favourite songs. 

3. Got artsy. 

4. Cuddled with Sophie dog. 

5. Finally ate at Noodles&Company again. 

6. Imitated a talking raccoon. 

7. Spent family time with some of my favourite people in the world. 

8. Listened to the river. 

9. Laughed until my face hurt. 

10. Looked at the stars and learned that they connect us. Wherever we are.