film – Britt Skrabanek

The G-Rated Deal

I always wanted to watch the Planet Earth series, and Mr. H and I got it for Christmas last year on Blu Ray.

Let’s just say we have an arrangement when it comes to watching these types of things. I do other things and Mr. H gets my attention when something cute or pretty comes on.

I spent most of Disc 1 of Planet Earth hiding under a blanket. Why?

Well, you know everything was all hunky-dory.

Gorgeous Earth showed off her sexy self left and right – her flowery mane, her pointy peaks, her undulating sea hips, and her long tree legs.

The animals started off sprightly and entertaining.

Baby versions gave me a case of the ubiquitous female sigh – awwwww. I wanted to snuggle with them, even the ones that would surely bite my ass.

Then, comes that inevitable moment…you know which one. When the animals decide to turn into Hannibal Lecter’s.

And, that’s when I cower beneath my raggedy blanket, my protective shield, praying for an end to the graphic meal in HD (for our benefit).

Mr. H. shouts things like…

“Not yet. No, definitely not yet!”

Or my personal fave…

“Don’t come out of there. It’s NOT safe!”

I know it’s the cycle of life and all that. But, I just can’t.

If I had it my way, nature documentaries would only show the following:

Interesting weather phenomena
Bold and colorful flora and fauna
Baby animals before they get eaten
Vegetarian meals only

Alas, I know this is not often the case.

Lucky for me I can sometimes experience censored cuteness and prettiness because I have Mr. H and the G-Rated Deal.

How about you guys out there? Do you hide under blankets too or is just me?

When Things Were Swell

By golly, do I love research!

History, culture, fashion – I just want to roll around in them all the livelong day. But, then I wouldn’t get a thing done, now would I?

Last week I mentioned that I started my third book, The Bra Game. I’ve got a super fun poll going all month long where you can vote on two of my characters’ names. You can visit the original post for lots of details or if you’re the ants-in-your-pants type like I am, you can just vote right here…

CHARACTER #1

In a Nutshell: Feisty Italian-American Tomboy
Classic Movie Star Twin: Audrey Hepburn
Baseball Position: Catcher, Bunter-Stealer
Occupation: Photographer

CHARACTER #2

In a Nutshell: Busty Polish-American Sex Kitten
Classic Movie Star Twin: Marilyn Monroe
Baseball Position: Left Fielder, Left-handed Batter
Occupation: Housewife/Socialite

*The big character name reveal will take place on the 28th, so be sure to stop by to see if your names win!

Truthfully, researching the fifties is a blast: hot cars, milkshakes, Elvis and his pelvis, drive-ins, roller skates, McCarthy’s communist witch hunt, and of course…baseball.

I feel pretty solid on my pre-1950’s research needed for this project. Between my WWII junkie background and this fabulous book I picked up, which covers the women in baseball tangent I’m including throughout, I’m set.

The Bra Game takes place in 1954 Chicago.

I would love to hear any book or film recommendations you may have which paint a portrait of 1950’s American culture. I’m open to any of your suggestions.

Documentaries and non-fiction are great, but classic movies and fiction are perfect, too.

Also, I’m a big fan of writing historical fiction with era-appropriate music to set the mood. So, anything you think might be good…I’m all ears.

Ready, steady, go!

ZAP! BAM! POW! Hero or Anti-Hero?

I spent my entire weekend hanging out with my personal hero, Woody Allen, a man who inspires me endlessly. Don’t worry, I haven’t gone off the deep end. I simply connected with him in ways I didn’t know existed.

I discovered a fascinating tribute to his work, Woody Allen: A Documentary. It chronicles his life beautifully with compelling interviews and clips throughout. Even today, the man uses a typewriter he bought when he was 16, cutting and pasting with—wait for it—scissors and a stapler.

ZAP! I think no matter who you are, whether you like him or not, whether you like his films or not, you have to respect him as one of the greatest innovators of our time.

As an aspiring writer, I look up to him, and I see a little bit of myself in him.

He uses his natural rhythm as a musician to his advantage, creating a sense of flow and timing in his writing. As a dancer, I aim to do the same.
Speaking of aim, he’s a Sagittarius, as am I.
He’s a tireless go-getter, and as such, is rarely satisfied.
He will do and say anything he wants.
He’s often misunderstood.

My hubby and I saw To Rome With Love Saturday night. This alone is a testament of my love for Allen’s work as I do not spend money on overpriced movie theater tickets for anyone else. The last time we went was a year ago for Midnight in Paris, a true gem.

I’m not going to review To Rome, because I’m not a critic and everyone has a right to their own opinion. All I’m going to say is that once again he delivered another ballsy, whimsical experience. I was not only entertained, I somehow felt different when I left.

BAM! That equates artistic genius.

I’m part of a new generation of Woody enthusiasts. Before I saw any of his films, I thought he was a peculiar looking fellow with a Brooklyn accent. I found my rightful place as one of his quirky, adoring fans somewhere between Match Point and Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

These are two of my favorite stories of all time. Not flicks…stories.

POW! To many, Woody Allen is an anti-hero, the guy people love to hate. But, I see him differently, as a genuine hero.

He doesn’t rely on a cape to get things done, he just does them.
He uses his intellectual superpowers for good.
He takes chances, and sometimes he fails.
He sacrifices in the name of passion.
He saves the world with his voice, reminding us that life is far from boring…it’s extraordinary.

My favorite Woody quotes…

“If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.”

“The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don’t have.”