Rest in Peace James Gandolfini

I was shocked and saddened yesterday when I heard the news that James Gandolfini had suddenly died in Italy at the age of 51.  If you look back at this blog, you'll see I have several posts about how much I loved "The Sopranos."  I've seen every season on DVD and also watched it on A&E even though it was edited for network TV. I don't think you'll find a bigger fan of the show or of James Gandolfini. I looked for his movies when they came out after the series ended in 2007.

Ironically, I had just picked up a movie of his from last year called "Down the Shore." It takes place on the Jersey shore and concerns Gandolfini's character's sister who had died in Paris. It's another wonderful performance by Mr. Gandolfini. I watched it last night as a tribute to him. 

I just recently had a chance to see two episodes of "The Sopranos" on HBO and they were two of the best. When Carmela told Tony that she didn't love him anymore, the look in Tony's sad eyes was heartbreaking.

My thoughts and prayers go out to James Gandolfini's wife and children and the rest of his family and friends. He is an actor I will truly never forget.

Here is one of my favorite scenes from the show -

 http://youtu.be/uMhop8-gAPU

And here is the last scene from the series when everything fades to black. Focus on the good times -

http://youtu.be/rnT7nYbCSvM

Tony and Carmela Soprano

A Walk in the Park

I recently read a great book called A Walk in the Park by British author Jill Mansell. This is the second book of hers that I have read; the first was To the Moon and Back. I enjoyed that one but I loved A Walk in the Park and recommended it highly to my friends at www.goodreads.com. One of the reasons I liked it so much was that it takes place in Bath, England and I have been there.

Here is the description from www.goodreads.com -

It's been a while, but Lara Carson's back in Bath and lives are set to change as a result. Because Lara left her family and boyfriend Flynn eighteen years ago without a word to anyone. Why has no one heard from her since? Her childhood best friend Evie is thrilled Lara's back and able to share her happiness. Evie's about to walk down the aisle with her dream man, Joel. Or so she thinks... Then there's Flynn Erskine, even more attractive now and stunned to see Lara again. The spark between them is as strong as ever, but how's Flynn going to react when he discovers the secret she's been keeping from him? Oh yes, there's a lot of catching up to be done.

If you enjoy British chick lit, you will love this book!

Bath, England

Happy Mother's Day!

God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers.

- Rudyard Kipling

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have followed me all my life.

- Abraham Lincoln

 

 

 

The Silver Linings Playbook

I loved this book!  I liked that it has a positive message - believing in silver linings is to remind you to keep on trying.  The old saying that every cloud has a silver lining is what the main character Pat, is counting on in his life now that he is back home living with his parents. I don't want to write too much about the story since I don't want to give away any key plot points.  But I will just say that there is a happy ending for Pat and Tiffany who are both damaged people.  Do yourself a favor and read this one!  I can't wait to see the movie.  The DVD will be out on April 30th.

Here is a link to the Bonnie Tyler song that is featured in the book -

http://youtu.be/ykexpgHrTkI

I highly recommend The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick.

 

 

Limericks

The Eagle Harbor Book Co. in the Seattle area held a limerick contest recently.  Here are some of the winners.  Enjoy -

"There was a rich hippie named Julie,
Whose Range Rover smelled like patchouli,
Each day, just for fun
She smoked weed by the ton
With a bong blown by Dale Chihuly."

- Brandon Matsen, Seattle

"To the city we'll go to make merry
After dinner o'er drinks we will tarry.
Alas, with a shout
We pay and rush out
If we run we will catch the last ferry."

- Mary Jensen, Bainbridge Island

"On the 5:30 boat in the quiet zone
A passenger answered his cellphone.
The others gathered en masse
Picked him up by his a...
Crying,"man overboard with his ring tone!"

- Robin Simons (no address given)

"Said Romeo on Bainbridge, "Don't tarry!
"Leave Seattle so that we can marry."
But his Juliette said,
"I'd rather be dead
"Than to have to get on that damn ferry."

- Eva Moon, Redmond

 

 

Do You Worry?

Here is a "Worry Table" I have been saving for a long time.  I thought you might like it too.

                                 Things We Worry About


Things that never happen....                                                      40%
Things that can't be changed by
all the worry in the world...                                                         35%

Things that turn out better than expected...                            15%

Petty, useless worries...                                                               8%

Legitimate worries...                                                                     2%
                                                                                                    100%

Upshot: It's 50 to 1 against the worry being a real cause for concern.

Source: Anonymous

Does that make you feel better? Now if only I can remember this the next time I worry!

Happy Easter a few days late...

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter this year.  It was a sunny and warm Easter Sunday here with no rain. 

Here are some winners of the annual Peeps contest that the Seattle Times has every year.  They are so clever and imaginative!

Enjoy!

Peeps de Resistance



 

Seattle Public Library


 

Van Peeps



 

A Peep at Today's Top Stories

 

The first prize winner

One of my favorites