A Contest Win

It was very excited when I picked up today's Guelph Mercury.

There, on the first page was my short story. I was one of the finalists in the annual Christmas Short Story Contest sponsored by the newspaper.

I love writing inspiring stories about angels. And I feel their presence very strongly during the Christmas season.

Read and enjoy my story, Finding a Christmas Angel.

The Fighter

The Fighter is based on the true-life story of American boxer Micky Ward. It examines Ward's early years when he lost several fights, retired for the first time and then began his comeback. It also deals with addiction issues and a large, dysfunctional family.

The four principal characters--Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo, Amy Adams--deliver Oscar-worthy performances.  I was very impressed by Christian Bale's portrayal of Dicky Eklund, the former "Pride of Lowell," who battles an addiction problem and helps his half brother achieve success in the boxing world.

This is more than just a boxing film.

Watch the trailer.

A Pleasant Diversion

Yesterday, I went to see this season's only romantic comedy--How Do You Know.

It was very light fare with a few witty and memorable comments.

Early in the movie, the Paul Rudd character, a failing businessman, gets dumped by his girlfriend. She says, "Let's hit the pause button so we don't waste our precious energy on stuff. We'll get together when we are problem free."

I enjoyed watching Reese Witherspoon and Jack Nicholson perform. And Owen Wilson is great eye candy.

Watch the trailer.

An Inspired Lunch

On November 13th of this year, the shoppers at Seaway Mall in Welland Ontario received a big surprise while enjoying their lunches in the food court. A local choir created a Christmas Flash Mob while singing the Hallelujah Chorus.


I love watching it on You Tube.

Sad News

I was very sad to hear about Elizabeth Edwards' death this morning.

I have always admired her strength of character and resolute air as she dealt with the tragic death of her first-born son, a challenging election campaign and her husband's infidelity. All she wanted was to last another eight years so she could see her two youngest children through the teen years. That was not meant to be.

We were both diagnosed with cancer the same year, 2004. I still remember listening to the announcement at the end of her husband's unsuccessful campaign. In many ways, I was relieved that she did not have to undergo treatments in the glare of public life.

She will be missed.

Inspired by Ella Russell

Last week, I read a story in the Waterloo Record about an amazing 70-year old woman.

Over 40 years ago, Ella Russell moved from Scotland to New Glasgow in Nova Scotia. The yoga and swimming teacher started her fitness career by teaching a few classes at the local recreation center. Along the way, she acquired additional training in belly dancing, Dancercise, Nordic walking and resistance training. She also ran two marathons.

At age 70, Ella teaches 14 yoga classes a week. She is an inspiration to everyone and can keep up with the grandchildren of her original students.

Mixed Feelings About Love and Other Drugs

I was expecting a light, romantic comedy with two of my favorite actors, Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal.

The trailer looked interesting with Jake Gyllenhaal playing the part of Jamie Randall, a high-powered pharmaceutical salesman trying to have a relationship with free spirit Maggie Murdoch played by Anne Hathaway. Although that is the main plot, there is a darker side to this movie. Maggie Murdoch also has stage one Parkinson's disease.

This comedy-drama alternates between hilarious scenes with Viagra and Pfizer training sessions and deeper, more intense conversations between Jamie and Maggie.

Interesting but definitely not light fare.