The topic of “rain” is more of a favorite for us that live in the Sonoran Desert. When your morning walks start around 5 a.m. when the outside temperature is in the low to mid 80’s, it’s easy to see why.
These days, or at least in the last month since I quit working, getting up early to walk a few miles is a habit I’m happy to get back into. It’s funny if you think back to my days on long distance walks across countries, as well as my hikes all over the USA. Now I focus more on overall health, keeping up my ability to move easily, and hopefully dropping a few pounds. I love the clouds that are swelling overhead, looking more and more promising of bring precious rainfall to our desert oasis. I listen to the many birds that are active as the sunrises, the wild rabbits that hope from bush to cactus, and even the occasional pack of coyotes that wander the streets looking for a meal, since their desert habitat is shrinking.
I dream of getting back to the UK in a couple years to do my longest hike yet, but for now I relish in the cloud formations above, wondering when the rain might fall.
One of many advantages to living in the Phoenix area is the different cultural experiences. Being the fifth largest city in the United States, you don’t have to look hard to find something new and unique. One thing I’ve enjoyed is viewing Bollywood films from the subcontinent of India that are always showing in local theaters across the valley of the sun.
I was first introduced to these type of films with the sleeper hit Slumdog Millionaire, but fell in love with the genre after viewing the epic movie RRR on Netflix.
Since watching RRR during the Covid lockdown, I try to catch any action Bollywood movie playing in theaters. It’s my preferred style of film from India, as the cinematography, visuals and over the top action and acting is just a Chef’s Kiss for this cinephile. I was interested to see what this latest movie, Maa inti Bangaram, would be all about….
This movie surprised me, being more of a comedy than an action movie, but I was fine with that. Having subtitles, it was a tad hard for me to get all of the humor, but I was able to follow the general plot. Being a typical Bollywood movie, it is almost three hours long, but it has an intermission, something that I wish Hollywood would bring back. The action scenes, although brief, were memorable, and overall I was never bored. It is good for me to expand the types of Bollywood films I see.
I went back last week and re-watched the first four Toy Story movies in preparation for Toy Story 5. This franchise has a special place in my heart due to what was happening personally in my own life. Let’s go down memory lane and talk about it.
Toy Story came out in the winter of 1995. I was in love with a girl that was recently separated from her husband, with two little kids, a boy and a girl. I had no idea what being a parent meant. We bonded over Woody and Buzz, and Christmas shopping for these toys was joyful, maniac madness. Hearing though about how the young boy was overjoyed getting a Woody and Buzz doll still brings a tear to my eye.
In 1999 Toy Story 2 was released. The girl and I had just got back together after a year long break. In that time she had a baby with another man (not her Ex). We had wanted a child, and so when we got back together and moved in the baby was six months old. It felt like my own child, and we actually had a family. I fell right into the Dad role with no complaints. We all loved this movie ,and raising a small child that was experiencing all the goodness, wonder and charm of the Toy Story characters was heartwarming. Jessie’s story of abandonment hit home for me, and I truly wanted to give these kids a safe home to grow up in, so that they never felt that way….
Toy Story 3 came out in 2010. I was single, and hadn’t heard from the girl or the kids for a few years. My career was finally doing well, but it was lonely. I had friends and was traveling the world, but I would come home and put this movie on, and cry every time the toys are hugging each other in the incinerator. The abandonment I never wanted to happen was now guilt that was eating away at me. However, I always felt better after watching. At least the toys were still there for me. I hoped that they were still there for them as well.
In 2019 Toy Story 4 was released. It had now been over 15 years since I’d seen the girl or the kids. my life was completely different. I felt successful, well traveled, and happy with life. I’d been in Arizona for a few years at this point. I get a message from the daughter of the girl to let me know that her Mom had died from drinking and pills. She let’s me know that she misses me and wonders if I can come to the funeral. I would have, but I lived in a different State. When I finally watched this movie, the character Forky had me in stitches. I know that she would have loved him too. Trash, trash, trash.
Which brings me to Toy Story 5, now in theaters. I go to the theater alone, as usual, but love that most seats are filled with young families. Hearing the curious questions and giggles warms my heart. The movie addresses screen time, bullying and moving on as one grow up. I see how screens have affected my nieces and nephews, so it is a somber reminder of how we all must take an active role in how we use technology.
What if everything you have seen or heard about Robin Hood was a lie? In 13th century England, the dark ages of Man was more likely filled with thievery and violence than good natured heroes helping the everyman survive the cruel dictatorship of the King.
Having spent a fair amount of time in the countrysides of both Northern England as well as Scotland, and being a fan of the Renaissance era, the portrayals seen in the movie felt much more akin to how life must have been back then. Truly violent. A man only has to reflect at the end of one’s life to see if amends could or should be considered.
The movie most likely will not be for most people, but the cinematography, stellar acting, brutal violence and the messages of reconciliation for wrongdoings hit deep for me. The A24 movie studio has done it again, making movies to ponder well after one has exited the theater.
H.C. is having a flood of memories as he is driving in the early morning ocean fog. It is his first road trip since retirement. It still doesn’t feel real, more like a dream one can’t wake up from easily. He parks and takes in the early morning ocean breeze along San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs.
He still can’t quite remember the last time he was here, but it’s of no matter. Let’s be in the moment instead of dwelling on the murky past. H.C. just starts walking. Surfers waiting for that perfect wave. Pelican’s glide along the coast in a perfect bomber formation. A van or two is parked along the road with blankets and towels covering the windows so the occupants inside can sleep.
The signs of danger are everywhere, but not to warn one of the homeless, but instead of the ground giving way and falling into the ocean. How many times has this happened. He keeps walking, taking chances by perhaps being a bit too close to the edge. How ironic would it be if he fell to his death, less than a month into being work free?
Mile after mile H.C. goes, feeling lighter with each step. The clouds start to break apart, the fog lifts, and the sun kisses his face and warms his legs. Ocean waves calms nerves and sets his mind right.
My first weekday game in the afternoon at Chase Field. I take the light rail into downtown, while getting caught up on the MLB rankings. Diamondbacks are 3rd in the National League, with a record of 37-36.
I’m running a little late, but other fans on the train let me know that the Angels scored a home run in the first inning, and with the beating the Angels gave us the night before, it could be another long game…..
I settle into my seat and take a bite of a tasty polish sausage and sip my beer when the D’Backs crush a home run with two men on base, and they never looked back after that. A dominant win of 8-1. Looking forward t odoing it again on Sunday against the Twins.
