Monday's Movie - Libertine

Monday's Movie is The Libertine with Johnny Depp, filmed in 2004. It just recently came out onto DVD, so being the costume lover I am, I had to see this. I L.O.V.E. period pieces, but don't run to the movie store for this one (you could just walk slowly). Oh no! Does this mean two bad movie reviews in a row? Hope it's not a trend. I don't want to say that this flick is not without merit, however. There were several redeemable qualities. The costumes were just as I'd hoped for and the acting was really incredible. (How on earth is Johnny Depp so capable?!? He is a magnificent actor. He flourishes in everything he does.) The plot was even a decent one; it just didn't quite do it for me. Maybe it was the shock value of debauchery that seeped out of John Wilmot's writings? (It is based on the 17th century poet / hedonist.) Anyway, I can't quite put my finger on it. It is, however, one of those films that you watch and think "Boy, so-and-so is an incredible actor," but don't know really what else to say about it. Kind of like Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot - famous movie, but only because an actor or two kicked around some serious drama. (Side note: Did I mention how much I love Depp? I also love this scene in the movie where he walks around with his wig as messed up, next to the beautiful and refined Rosamund Pike. He really knows how to work those subtle nuances to make a character come alive.)

Undergoing Renovation

See Suzy Spin has had a facelift. What do you think, dear reader? (You know how I aim to please!) I was way overdue for a blog makeover so I hope this design will have some mileage. Wow - it was a lot of work. Much thanks to big sis, who got a call in the middle of the night from a tired girl in need of help. (Love ya, chick.) And much thanks to hubby, who is a posing as a person, but is really a website god.

Photo Friday - Portrait

This is one of the best pictures I think I've ever taken... It's of my baby brother at our (late) house in TN. I was taking a B&W photography class and Andy needed headshots; so I dressed him up, gave him a shave, and put make-up on him for his very first photoshoot! Doesn't he look cute? I'm such a proud sister. (I added a sepia touch to this pic to give it some life!)

Composed Grief

Aren't they cute?!?

These are my little nieces - they live in Texas. I live in New York. Can you feel the distance grow in this picture? The last time I saw these amazing and hilarious little beauties was almost two years ago. How they've grown already! Maybe it's the fact that my big sister is pregnant, maybe it's that I am surrounded by cool little kids all day at work (being a children's librarian, and all), or maybe it's just that my maternal instincts have finally started to kick in, but I am seriously craving my family right now! Both my family (in Va, NY, and Canada) and my hubby's fam (in TX). I am usually so stoic, but this picture just puts me into purple puddles. It reminds me that I am totally missing out on my nieces growing up. It reminds me that they are becoming little people with little personalities and favorite colors. It reminds me of missed holidays and forgotten birthdays. Fears of "Will they even remember my name?!?" arise and make me question what I am doing way out here. Ever feel this way? I really miss you, girls!

Which Character from Jem and the Holograms Are You?

Congratulations, you are Jem!
Take this quiz!

Wordless Wednesday - When Eggs Go Bad.

(Someone has too much time on their hands.)

Monday's Movie - Underworld Revisited

Monday's Movie is Underworld Evolution. Hmmm... Mixed review, here. See, I love vampire movies but I am totally not into gore. I think Interview with a Vampire and Lost Boys are ideal vampire movies - not too much but just enough, you know? Vampires are supposed to be (as far as I'm concerned) sleek and beautiful creatures that glide and lure. Well, that is not really what this movie portrays. Don't get me wrong - Kate is gorgeous and most of the vampires in the movie, male and female, are beautiful people. But there is no "luring" going on in this movie! Everyone either welds a gun or they have freakily sharp wings. I don't know about you, but if I had vampire teeth, I'd use them. Whatever. So, the plot line was a good one, but I think this flick was too much horror and not enough goods to deliver. See it if you liked Blade, basically.

Suz & Andy

Suz & Andy
Originally uploaded by peachicken.

I love my little bro. He is the cutest. He cracks me up whenever we talk, because he ALWAYS has something funny to say. I don't get to see him all that much anymore since he moved to Brooklyn, but whenever we do see each other, he always brightens my world. (Don't you wish you had a baby brother now?) I can't think of what I'd rather do on a Sunday than spend the day with him at a Mets game (whether or not they win!). Andy, I raise a pizza slice in honor of you, bud.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

We went to see the Mets play today; me, Tim, and little brother Andy. (How could we even DREAM of going without the biggest Mets fan in the world?!?) Anywho, here is a fun video of the experience - I think that it is off a little bit or else I just totally don't know the words! We got free tickets from Tim's work, plus those nifty hats, too! I love job perks.

Photo Friday - Common

Sometimes ordinary things look extrordinary.

Happy News!

Deserves a Party
Originally uploaded by peachicken.

I am finally allowed to post this - and I'm just busting at the seams here folks! My big sis is pregnant! And I am so excited for her. I've always thought that she would make the ideal mom. And her hubby, Jerry, is just as cute as he could be. They are covered with nervous anticipation (I think Beck has read just about every book there is on what to expect when you are expecting), but I am eager to see them in action as parents. I just wish I could be there to go girl shopping and see her big round beautiful belly!

A day at FAO Swartz

Documentation of what fun a day at FAO Swartz can be like...
These were not forced smiles by any means. 
FAO = Suzy Heaven.

FAO Swartz Piano Guys

I know the quality ain't great, but it is authentic. Maybe if someone wants to buy me a video camera, my clips would be better lookin'. Well, regardless, I wanted to share this with everybody. I thought FAO Swartz went out of business a while ago, but appartently they are still around! Tim and I found it on a whim while galavanting around the city. (So if you are ever staying at Cher Suzy, this can be on your tour guide list!)

Wordless Wednesday - Being Swallowed by a Totem

(My sealed fate at Niagara Totem Pole Park...)

Bubble Wrap

Bored? Here is a dang fun, and basically hypnotic, link that will make you waste time and then wonder what you've been doing all day... Ready? (This one is for you, mom.) Click Here.

Monday's Movie

Heh. Okay, here is my new thing. I love movies, and I figure that I should just start writing them down because my memory is just that bad. I figure if I write something about what I've seen, then I should really remember it. And if I still can't remember, then maybe I should think about cross-word puzzles and turbinado sugar and premature alzheimers. Just today, I rewatched a movie because I had totally forgotten seeing it. BAD memory.

Also, this was a movie I just watched, and technically it is Sunday night. "Monday Movie" just sounded better to me though, don't ya think? Feel free, you other bloggers to join me in movie blogging and we'll just call it a meme. (This means you, Christie!) Maybe we'll come up with some funky banners, too. How does that sound? On with the show!

The movie of the week is Clay Pigeons, starring Vince Vaughn, Joaquin Phoenix, and even good ole Janeane Garafalo. It's a 1998 gem of a movie that came on IFC tonight. Here is a good quote about it's contents: "Dark humor, a complex narrative full of quirky personalities and whiplash triple-crosses and a premise -- hunk du jour Vince Vaughn as a serial-killin' good ol' boy with a fetish for friendship and some weird ways of showing it -- that puts a fresh new twist on the old adage "big lips, big cowboy hat, big psychosis." (Thanks Madame Reviewer Gemma Files)

I can honestly say that I had never even heard of this film before today, but it was so great! It had all the elements for me, funny man Vince and the creepiness of having happy music in inappropriate places, convincing characters, twisting plots, and even a deputy named "Barney." Did I mention how funny and convincing Vince Vaughn was? And he goes by the name of "Lester Long" in the movie. Oh my gosh, he is hilarious! Despite the funniness involved, this is a dang creepy movie. Vaughn is a serial killer and he has a weird way of dealing with women. If you have a dark sense of humor at times, don't mind country music too much, and have maybe even a secret crush on Vaughn, this is the movie for you! Highly recommended.

A Song for You...

This is one of my favorite songs (below) called "Our Deliverance". I've been thinking about certain things lately - things I don't usually blog about. (Well today I'm feeling it, so bear with me. I won't get political on you, I promise.) What, with all the issues with Israel & Palestinian bombings, our troops in Iraq, "Global Warming" and Al Gore's new movie, ice-cap meltings, recycling and whatnot. It can be so overwhelming. And sometimes I feel like losing myself in one of the Indigo Girls finer songs:

Now we can say that nothing's lost and only change brings round the prophecy
Where now it's melting, the solid frost was once a veil on greener landscapes we would see
Beneath my surface the water's heating
And steam comes up and out the tears you see me shine
For every strange and bitter moment there was never a better time
For every pleasure exacts its pain
How you hurt me how you were good to me
Beneath my window a mournful train that makes me smile at my bad poetry
Beneath my surface a song is rising
It may be simple while it hides its true intent
We may be looking for our deliverance but it has already been sent
It's in the night fall when the light falls
And what you've seen isn't there anymore
It's in our blind trust that love will find us
Just like it has before
They're sending soldiers to distant places
X's and O's on someone's drawing board
Like green and plastic but with human faces
And they want to tell you it's a merciful sword
But with all the blood newly dried in the desert
Can we not fertilize the land with something else
There is no nation by god exempted
Lay down your weapons and love your neighbor as yourself
In the night fall when the light falls
And what you've seen isn't there anymore
It's through our blind trust that love will find us
Just like it has before

You go Girls. You go. What an amazing and pertinent song. (Also as a side note, while I'm at it, Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth is very good. Of course it gets a bit showy, but ultimately I agree with his message. It's that environmentalism is a moral choice and it is high time for us to take a stand and be good stewards of what we have.)

Our Trip...

Hockneyed Suzy
Originally uploaded by peachicken.

I finished uploading the Niagara pictures onto Flickr today. I'll try to blog about them tomorrow if Blogger will cooperate. Speaking of which, I am in the market for new hosts! If you all know of another platform, other than Blogger, that works famously - let me know! Also, if anyone knows how to make the switch over seemlessly, your help would be much appreciated! (I may even bake you cookies!) Blogger causes me way too much anxiety!

Last one, I promise....

mondial 2006 coup de boule de Zidane

Yeah. This is in French. But it is still funny even if you don't know what he is saying...

Photo Friday - Remarkable

This, to me, is remarkable.  We took this picture at the Niagara Botanical Gardens.  She's a show-stopper, isn't she?

Wordless Wednesday - Me & Don C.

(Celeb spotting in the tunnels under Niagara... The blue eyes are mine, the brown eyes belong to Don Cheadle...)

More Hats...

Happy Birthday Barbara!

WhoooHooo for Barbara!!!! Today is Barbara's birthday and you are all invited to Barbara's Birthday Bash! Today instead of a virtual party, a few of her friends have decided to have a progressive birthday party. Come join the fun and wish our Barbara a fun filled day.

(Barbara's Birthday Bash button compliments of Yellow Rose)


I've been in charge of bringing party hats to the party, since I am the costume mistress of the world... Which hat would you like to wear for the party? Choose one that suits you and tell me which one you picked!

While we are putting our hats on, I invite YOU to also visit:

Melli.....for balloons
Kathy.....for streamers
Rosie.....for flowers
Carol.... tunes from the band
Killired..... ice cream
Jennifer... cake
J. Andrew.... a birthday Haiku
Wendy ....New Zealand treats
Friday's Child ...treats from the Philippines.
Mysterious Lady...traditional birthday song
David....tribute


Please drop your gifts off at Trying to Catch Up. Barbara likes words of encouragement and birthday greetings... Please sign the guest book so Barbara will know you stopped by.

World Cup in Little Italy

Tim and I just got back from watching the Italian's win World Cup. We were fortunate enough to get to see it in Little Italy, NYC. Sweet, eh? Good thing they won! Let me just tell ya, those Italians are CRAZY.

I can't believe World Cup is over...

I can't believe today was the last game.  I don't know what I am even going to do with myself for the next four years.  Well, maybe our buddies Rach and Chris will still be in South Africa and we can go and actually SEE the games in person!  Oh man.  That would be so cool.  Above is a picture of one of my favorite soccer players, Ronaldinho.  He is not much to look at, and his teeth frighten me, but he is the KING of the sport.  He always has a big grin on his face, no matter what (granted, it could be because he can't close his mouth due to his jacked-up teeth... he may also be smiling because he is lucky enough to be on Brasil's team, too...).  Whatever the case, it is always a joy to watch someone with such good sportsmanship.  (Is that a giant word or what?!?)

Hello from Watkins Glen

This was the next stop on our mini road-trip through New York State. Watkins Glen is in the Finger Lake area and is CRAZY pretty. (It's also where lots of old western movies were filmed.) Check out the slideshow of our pictures from this side trip here. I warn you, though... once you see these, you'll want to visit.

Broome County Carousels

Three Horse
Originally uploaded by peachicken.

We did something really special on our way up to Niagara Falls. Not many people know about this awesome little off-the-beaten track stop, so I wanted to share it with the world to get the word out. It is the Broome County Carousels, which consists of six antique Herschell's (one with it's original Wurlizter Machine). They are spread out into five parks and one zoo, with free admission to all of them. Well, actually, the charge is a piece of litter from the park, to help keep the place clean. Neat idea, eh?!?

The carousels were donated by a fella named George F. Johnson, who grew up poor. He always loved carousels and he promised himself that when he grew up and became a rich man, that no child would ever be denied a ride on one of these magical horses. Isn't that a sweet story? (I hope it isn't made up. That is what the brochure says...)

The parks the carousels are located in are Ross Park (Zoo), Recreation Park, George W. Johnson, West Endicott, C. Fred Johnson, and Highland Park. We rode on all six of them, but we had to find them all first, since they are divided up between three different towns! And we had an extra exciting time doing this because half of the roads were closed due to all the flooding in that area last week. (I think this would make an awesome Amazing Race challenge.)

The best part of the whole thing is that you get tickets at each carousel, and if you collect all six, you get a button that says you rode the "Broome County Carousel Circuit." Sweet. You know I had to have that! Seriously, if your ever in the area, check it out! But for now, check out my pictures of the experience...

Photo Friday - Summer Vacation

Today's theme, how appropriate!  Seriously, folks... I am working hard on
getting the pictures out.  Hopefully by this weekend.  We took like 600 shots of the trip! 

Albino Canadian Critter

(Click on the pic to play our little video...)

Yes, ladies and gents, this is a real live WHITE squirrel! I've now seen gray ones, red ones, and even black ones - and while visiting Canada just recently, I've now seen a white one. So it he white for snow disguise? Like polar bears? Bizarre.

Wordless Wednesday - Super Tim

(We're back... more pictures to follow... for now though, enjoy MY super man!)