Hello? Fall, Where Are You?

Thought we were done with summer, but it insists on sticking around. The temps have been in the 90s the last couple of days. The pansies I planted in our window boxes are fading fast. And, the drought has been awful. Everything is so dry. I saw my neighbor cutting his grass and plumes of dust surrounded him. We don’t even need to cut ours because I think it’s pretty much dead.

So, I’m going to will the return of fall by thinking of fabulous fall clothes. Please let the crisp, cool fall weather return. Please!

Barbour can do no wrong. I love the waxed-cotton Sofia jacket for fall. Seriously, pair this with some Wellies and your ready to trudge around the back 40 in style.

This coat, available through the Sundance Catalog, is pure furry fabulousness. (Chill, PETA, it's a synthetic blend.) Funny coincidence, it's called the "Sophia" jacket as well.(Just like my daughter's kindergarten class - lots of Sophias/Sophies!) 

These boots would rock any outfit. Alas the price tag will keep them from me. And the fact that I'm only 5'2. Don't think I can pull off over-the-knee boots. But, more power to the tall woman who can sport these babies with gusto!

 

These riding boots paired with a skirt would make for the perfect outfit at Keeneland.

 

And just for kicks, I think a cool pair of red Western boots would be great for a fall wardrobe. Pair them with jeans, a skirt or dress and you can't go wrong.

Here's hoping the seasonal weather returns and stays for a while. Not quite ready to jump into the winter weather, but would like to experience a true autumn. Happy Monday, everyone!
Images courtesy of Sundance Catalog, Taigon and Orvis

One More Reason Why I Adore Johnny Depp

"'Help us mutiny': Johnny Depp pays surprise visit to London primary school dressed as Jack Sparrow after letter from girl, 9"

To read more, view the article online.
Image from U.K.'s Mail Online

Secretariat

“Please and thank you go a long way with a horse.”

- Actress Diane Lane, who plays Penny Chenery in the new film, “Secretariat”

The other day I wrote about a football movie. Today I’m writing about a horse movie.

This Friday, Disney releases “Secretariat,” a film about one of the greatest horses in the history of racing. Diane Lane plays Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery and John Malkovich plays trainer Lucien Laurin. Many of the scenes were filmed in Kentucky.

If you’ve read my blog long enough, or even for a brief time, you know my love of horse racing and Kentucky. So, as you can imagine, Secretariat is near and dear to my heart, as well as the hearts of many Kentuckians.

“Big Red,” as he was also known, won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont, thus capturing the elusive Triple Crown. He won the Belmont by 31 lengths on June 9, 1973. I was born on June 10, 1973.

Last Sunday, Diane Lane attended the premiere of the movie at the Kentucky Theatre in downtown Lexington. She has endeared herself to Kentuckians through her kind and gracious attitude; never the diva. In addition to flying in from Los Angeles for the premiere, she served as the Grand Marshall for the Kentucky Derby Festival Parade this year and attended the Derby (in a lovely hat, I might add).

Now, before you think that all I watch is schmaltzy, light-weight films, know that I do enjoy independents, art house films, character studies and psychological thrillers as well. But every once in a while, you need to watch a movie that brings back your faith in human kind; that makes you cheer for the underdog (although in the case of Secretariat, he wasn’t the underdog, he was a champion; Chenery was the one who had to fight against the giants, holding her own in the Good ol’ Boy club. So we cheer for her as much as the horse in this picture).

This weekend, consider watching a light-hearted, feel-good Disney film. Put a smile on your face and forget about the world for a couple of hours (or 116 minutes to be exact).

Seen any good movies lately? If so, what would you recommend?
Images courtesy of chamiongallery.com and Disney

The White Watch

So, last night I’m watching “The Blind Side” for the first time – yeah, I’m late to the party – and I have to say I really liked this movie. I’m a sucker for overcoming-adversity stories, especially ones that are sports related, like “Hoosiers,” “Breaking Away,” “Rudy.” (Wow, Indiana is home to some really great stories, huh?) They’re all great.

Michael Oher, the young man who is the subject of “The Blind Side,” has quite the story to tell. Hubby was out last night, so I’m going to make him watch it with me tonight. Although, he may not be too pleased to watch a story about Michael Oher, who now plays for the Baltimore Ravens, the team that handed Hubby’s Steelers their first loss of the season. Ouch.

Anyhoo, back to the movie. Now, while I loved the story of Michael Oher and the Tuohy family, I do tend to get distracted when it comes to accessories, wardrobe and set design featured in movies (the kitchen in “Something’s Gotta Give” or the house in “Father of the Bride” - all fabulous).

So, I wanted to know: What type of watch was Sandra Bullock wearing in the movie and did this watch start the “White Watch Trend” of the summer of 2010? Or, did the movie reflect a trend already taking place among Southern woman for the last several months? The chicken and the egg conundrum. Discuss.

I Googled the watch (yes, I did), and according to one of the sites, Ms. Bullock wore the ToyWatch White Plasteramic, available on at Nordstrom, Amazon and other retailers for beteen $225 to $275. And, of course there are a variety of knock-offs. Fossil has some nice ones that range from $65 to $85. So, here’s the burning question: Do you only wear a white watch between Memorial Day and Labor Day? Or, like Ms. Bullock’s character, Leigh Anne Tuohy, does one wear it throughout the year?

Yes, I’ve managed to take the film's message about overcoming adversity, racial barriers, homelessness and poverty and make it about a designer watch. Yeah, I hang my head in shame. But, that was a really cool watch, wasn’t it? ;)
Images courtesy of Amazon.com, Nordstrom and EW.com

Look What Sissy Did, Mom!

Dear Eldest Child,

I am thrilled that you are learning to read, write and spell at such an amazing pace. But, from now on, please refrain from writing your brother's name on his leg. Right after his bath. With a red Sharpie.

Love,
Mom

Nulu

If you're anywhere near Louisville this weekend, consider going to the Nulu Festival.

Nulu is downtown Louisville's East Market District, a cool up-and-coming area of town. Saturday night will feature a street party, great bands, food and micro-brews. Plus, all of the local art gallaries, boutiques and restaurants will be open for shopping and dining.

See you there!
Image from nulufest.com

Be Kind

Yesterday, I read an article about 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers freshman who committed suicide after his college roommate filmed him during a private encounter with another person in their dorm room. The roommate and a gal pal streamed the footage on the Internet. Tyler jumped off the George Washington Bridge three days later.

This story saddened me because of the humiliation and pain this young man suffered at the hands of a classmate (the encounter was with that of another young man, so one can conclude that Tyler was closeted). I then felt great anger toward the two people responsible for this act. It was so cruel. Why, why do kids - and in this case, young adults - do this to others?!

Much discussion has been made about this event over the last couple of days. Would the
situation have been so bad if the act caught on camera had been between a male and female? Is this a case of two kids who really aren’t evil, just stupid and insensitive? Are they products of the Twitter/Facebook/reality TV generation and therefore think this is normal? Some believe they should go to jail. Others think expulsion from Rutgers should be the extent of their punishment.

What do I think? Yes, they should be charged with a crime! And not just invasion of privacy, which is the current charge both students are facing. How can you lack so much empathy and awareness that you would even consider doing such a thing? The kids who tormented Phoebe Prince, the young Irish girl who committed suicide after enduring unending bullying, both to her face and online, are facing criminal charges in Massachusetts, as they should.

The other day, I was having a discussion with a friend about bullying and mean kids. We remarked that there’s always that “one girl” or “one boy” in a class who is the target of mean kids. I wish I could get to the root of why there is a “one kid” in the first place. Why must these children be singled out, made fun of and tortured in a such a way? It made me think of two particular kids from grade school. While I didn’t participate in the taunting and harsh words, I didn’t stand up and say anything either. I didn’t tell the bullies to stop, in fear that I would be made fun of; I didn’t come to the defense of the child being tormented. That makes me just as guilty as the bully. To this day, I feel horrible about that. I wonder what those kids are doing now. I pray that they are living wonderful lives. Of course, having experienced teasing and hurtful comments from mean kids myself, I know that the wounds heal, but underneath the surface, they are still quite fresh.

According to the article, the news of Tyler’s death “came on the same day that Rutgers kicked off a two-year, campuswide project to teach the importance of civility, with special attention to the use and abuse of new technology.”

How sad is it that a college has to create an initiative about civility? Why isn't this groundwork being laid when the child is a toddler? Yes, I know that people have free will and a person is going to act how he or she wants. But, I am of the mindset that you ingrain in your children the concept of putting oneself in another’s shoes, and, of course, living the Golden Rule. I know I could have practiced that more in school. Believe me, if I could find those kids now, I would apologize for not sticking up for them. All I can do now is try my hardest to raise compassionate, empathetic children and drive home that message  every chance I get. And, of course, if I need to, take out whoever bullies them. I may be small, but I am mighty. :)

If you have a moment, think of those kids who have suffered at the hands of bullies and other mean-spirited people. Say a prayer for them or just send positive thoughts their way. This world could use more civility; let’s be the ones to lead the way.
Image from Google