Grabbag of Recentness, pt. 1

1. My sister rented a cottage at a small "resort" on Stoney Lake. Because she and her husband don't drive on the Sabbath, Snake, Tutu, Gougou and I could have it for 24 hours from check-in on Saturday afternoon. It was the pup's first time in a canoe (he did brilliantly and really liked it, though 40 lbs shifting from side to side does make life a little exciting sometimes) and his first time swimming. It amazes me that he knew how to swim, which is kind of silly since it doesn't amaze that he knows how to walk. Tutu commented that he looked like a beaver in the water. This is accurate. He has a very serious look on his face when he's swimming. I'm not sure he actually likes it, but he did it of his own accord several times.

2. Gougou is getting neutered today. I'm so worried. I went down on my knees and prayed to god for his life and health. Actually, I was down on my knees looking through a pile of shoes for my missing office pass when I was moved to ask any passing deities for help. Maybe I've lost my pass as a sacrifice to some god of office security who can put in a good word with the puppy gods. Actually, now that I think about it, Gougou is offering up part of his own body and his fertility. You'd think that would count for something.

To be continued.

More Recentness

1. We saw a startling and beautiful Belgian film called Le fils (the Son). The movie is sad, inspiring, stark and suffused with the power of love (No, not the Jennifer Rush song). In fact, it has no music. There's not much I can say about without giving away the revelation at the end of the first act. I will say that the handheld camera work is wonderful and precise and that I have never seen such a passionate movie about people who can't express their passion. Love is the proofs of love, or whatever that quote is.

2. We also saw Trembling Before G-D, last year's doc about gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews. My reactions were complicated to this movie. On the one hand, I was frustrated by watching people going through coming out dramas at such a level of angst. It seemed dated to me -- weren't closets this deep 20 years ago? Of course, this is silly; closets are this deep for many people, especially ones in a tight community who fear losing their place in it as do these Orthodox men and women. What was interesting was the variety of reactions of the people who did come out and appear on camera, including those who found ways to continue their intense religious lives and those who had to reject orthodoxy along with the closet. If you get the DVD, watch the special features -- they are as interesting as the movie.

3. I'm almost done colouring the Passover book which means I'm almost done with the whole damn thing. The most ridiculous comment from the insane editor was an objection to the fact that some of the Israelites are barefoot in the Red Sea picture. "They didn't cross the desert barefoot, did they?" Um, they were slaves. Do you think they stopped at Payless before they departed? Hell, they didn't have time for bread to rise! Also, are you aware that 100s of millions around the world don't own a single pair of shoes? Even in deserts?

Kong (and Cooley) Forever!

Whatever happened to Fay Wray?
That delicate satin draped frame
As it clung to her thigh, how I started to cry
Cause I wanted to be dressed just the same...