I’m sticking with the award theme this week it seems…

Do you watch any of the various award shows on TV? There are quite a few these days aren’t there? Do you plan to watch the upcoming Oscars? I’ll be watching.

I love movies. Hubby loves movies. My whole family loves movies.

I’ve wanted to see the movie Pink Ribbons, Inc. since its release in theaters earlier this year. I was even contemplating driving the 100 miles or so back to the Twin Cities to see it as it didn’t make it into theaters close to me. But of course, I waited too long.

About a month or so ago I decided to just order my own copy, which would allow me to pass it around to friends and family too. It was my plan to write a blog post about it in October. Well, the other day I realized I better get crackin’ before this crazy month has come and gone.

One thing that can definitely be said about people living in the Midwest is that we love our four distinct seasons here. Oh sure, weather often spills over into a season where it doesn’t belong. We get snowstorms in spring and heat waves in fall. But overall, seasons in the Midwest know their place.

And if there’s one thing Midwesterners love to talk about, it’s the weather!

Since summer is now upon us, every conversation seems to begin with, “Well, how hot is it supposed to get today? Or boy, we sure could use (or not use) some rain.”

Ever since the September 30^th release date of the new “cancer movie” 50/50, I’ve been wanting to see it. Hearing mostly good things about it made me want to see it even more.

A week or so ago, hubby and I finally got it worked into our schedule, but not before hubby had asked me more than a few times, “Are you sure you really want to see this movie?” I wasn’t sure if he was trying to protect me, or if he was worried about what my reaction might be and was protecting himself? Just kidding.

Last month when I heard Elizabeth Taylor had passed away, it triggered some unexpected feelings. I guess it’s true what they say about grief, you never know what might trigger it. You never quite know when it might sneak up on you. You just never know…

I love movies. I even have a movie category on my blog. Maybe there’s a new career waiting for me some day as a movie critic?? Maybe not…

My mother loved movies. She continued going to movies for as long as possible even when she was really sick. Many “older” people don’t go to a lot of movies, especially the more “questionable” ones. There wasn’t any kind of movie my mother wouldn’t consider going to or watching on TV. Going to movies was another way she kept current. Going to movies and then discussing them helped keep her young.

Are you a risk taker?

I’m not. I have always been more on the cautious side, preferring to stand back, observe, listen and analyze a situation.  I’ve always admired people who are not like me, people who are more daring, or willing to throw caution to the wind.

Being a risk taker is not necessarily a good or bad thing, it’s simply another component of who we are. While we might be able to develop confidence or strive harder to push ourselves further, as with many things, our genetic makeup probably determines how much of a risk taker we are. Some of us are simply born more adventurous and more willing to take risks.

The other evening my husband, two sons and I settled in to carry out one of our holiday traditions – watching the movie classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. It’s a tradition we started a few years ago and one we intend to continue. I must admit the first few times I watched it, it felt kind of “sappy” or silly, but every year it has grown on me and has turned into a holiday favorite of mine. Perhaps surprisingly, even from their much younger vantage point, my sons see the life lessons contained in this “non-action” old-time movie and appreciate it, once a year anyway. While watching it this year, I found extra meaning in it, like I do in just about everything these days.

I thought about why this particular old movie has grown to be so endeared by countless people through the years. Then I realized it’s about love, war, economic hardship, losing a parent, faith, family, responsibility and expectations. These themes are just as relevant today as they were in 1946. Some things really haven’t changed all that much.