All posts by Helen C

Movies

“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up”

“Just us, the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark! … All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”
– Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) in “Sunset Boulevard”

I’d never seen the film “Sunset Boulevard.” I’d heard enough about it through the years to get the gist of it, and to understand the quote above. Last month in LA, as we sat in the shade of a nearby tree, Jason pointed to the famous Paramount Studios gate and explained how it was the same gate Norma Desmond drove through.

Then I noticed the name of the film on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies and I decided to watch it. It was great. William Holden is so cool; Gloria Swanson acted up a storm. Definitely worthwhile.

So, I figure I can knock off the rest of the AFI’s list pretty easily. I actually own 19 of the other films so I guess I can give myself a bye on any that I’ve watched in the last year or so. As for the rest, I just joined Netflix so this will keep my queue filled for a while.

But first I have to watch “Blue,” the first film of Polish director, Krzysztof Kieslowski, trilogy “Trois Couleurs”.

Music

Violins on television


This spring I spent a lot of time choosing a new violin. This involved a lot of trips to the violin shop, each time returning home with another borrowed instrument or bow. It was fun, but after a while it got to be a lot of work giving each candidate enough playing time. My violin teacher and her husband, who is a luthier, patiently helped me through the selection process.

The winner is pictured above. It is labeled “Vissenaire Freres, Lyon” and dated 1876. Who knows — I gather labels get slapped on violins in a fairly cavalier way. I spent more than would seem reasonable to the average citizen, but far less than I might have. I enjoy playing it and that seems to be the point.

Summer

Up, up and away


This weekend was the balloon festival. My friend, Barb, from college came to visit. We went to see the Friday evening ascension. It was incredible to be out on the field surrounded by all these huge balloons, magical to watch them lift up, seemingly lighter than the air itself.

We’ve had a lovely relaxing weekend. I opted out of all commitments and enjoyed my time with Barb. Dave was busy with the Revels North Solstice Celebration, which we also attended. Today is hot hot hot and I think we will go for a swim in the lake.