Drama in the Distance

These photos were taken a few weeks ago along Vancouver's waterfront in the West End.

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Out of Africa

Have any of you seen the movie "Out of Africa"? It was released in 1985 and amazingly it was showing on the big screen in my city last Saturday morning.  I've seen bits and pieces of it on television over the years but I had never seen the movie from start to finish until this past weekend. The movie is based on the book of the same name, and other writing by Karen Blixen.  It is a movie based on Karen's love story and is described in one sentence on a website about movies

In 20th century colonial Kenya, a Danish baroness/plantation owner has a passionate but ultimately doomed love affair with a free-sprited big-game hunter.

What a powerful movie this was on so many levels. On the surface, it is a love story but it is a multi-layered story which is nuanced with so much about the meaning of life, love and loss.

The movie ran at 9:30 a.m. this past Saturday, and though it was open to the public, it apparently is part of a series of movies watched and discussed by local movie buffs.  These "regulars" get an introduction to the movies and a critique afterward and then they go off for lunch to carry on with the discussions.

It was lovely to hear an older woman talk about her thoughts about the  movie and of her journey to Kenya. It was also delightful to hear from an Indian woman who grew up in Kenya but now lives in Vancouver with her husband and children.  She had an especially personal account of the movie.  The director of the movie rented her apartment in Kenya while filming was occurring.  After filming was over, she was left with a copy of the screenplay. She was very emotional in speaking about the movie and her recollections of it because the movie had a powerful ending and people were still emotionally raw.

My friend and I enjoyed the movie so much that we went for our own lunch rather than join with the group luncheon.  However, we have decided to try and join these movie buffs again in the Fall and will likely take in more of the movies and discussions at that time.

What about you dear reader? Have you seen the movie? 

What did you think of it? 

Have you been to Kenya and how did that affect your viewing of this movie?
Perhaps you live in Kenya and have views you can share about the historical period this movie represents.
Whatever the views of my readers, I'd love to hear them.

Have a good week ahead.

What Have You Been Doing Lately?

Hi friends,

I hope you've had a chance to read an update about the progress of young Edwin from Kenya. If you haven't yet, I encourage you to read the short report and if you can, leave an encouraging comment for Jonah who I'm sure will pass it along. Words have an incredible capacity to heal and Edwin needs all the help he can get through healing words and prayers.

In other news, I have been very busy. My uncle too has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer.  At the same time, my aunt who has had breast cancer in the past, has seen a return of it.  I know that all this is in God's hands.  But as you can imagine, it has been a very busy and at times, tiring time. I am assessing whether I can make a visit to these dear ones soon. They live far away and there is a lot to do first.  But if it is possible, I will go and  I will try to blog photos of my journey.

I also wanted to share some books I've purchased and am reading.  I went out looking for one book called Half of a Yellow Sun, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.  A book club I will participate in is going to discuss this book in a month or so. I didn't find a used copy of it on the day I went to the local thrift stores so I ordered a copy on line. I should have it in a week or two.

I did end up buying a  lot of other books which you will see in the photo below.  This will add to my handy collection of reading materials for when I'm looking for something to read.  

I finished the book at the bottom of the pile, Heart and Soul by Mauve Binchy.  Ms. Binchy is one of my favourite authors and I've read every one of her books but none of her short stories.  

Heart and Soul, is a book about Dr. Clara Casey, a cardiologist who starts a Heart Clinic at a hospital in Dublin. It's about the life of the patients who are impacted in a positive way by the Heart Clinic and the lives of the workers who are all hand selected by Clare to work in the clinic. Ultimately it's about every day things that bind people's lives together; love and heartache.  It's all told in the heart warming way for which Mauve Binchy is well known. I enjoyed the book and now I am thinking of starting on Olive Kitteridge or Appetite for Life.  I think it might be the latter, as it's a story about the life of beloved chef, Julia Child.

In addition to reading, family and missions matters, I've been busy spending time cleaning up computer files, updating the software on my smart phone and playbook and sorting through and re-organizing my media centre (CDs of music and movies). I've also been attending to long delayed paperwork, like organizing receipts, doing taxes, submitting receipts for reimbursement and all those kind of little things that take time and concentration. I will continue sorting through old bills and paperwork over the next few months as part of my major decluttering project. Little steps add up to big gains.

In time, it will all get done. Lastly, the garden patch has been cleared but no veggies have been planted yet and it has been too wet to put out the new cushion covers on the patio chairs. Sadly too, a family member who was cleaning out the remainder of the garden for me accidentally pulled up my beloved poppies and wild flowers. I was devastated for a few moments. But I guess they can all be replanted or something else planted in their place.

And what about you dear reader. 
What has been taking up most of your time?

Sky Blue

Hi friends,

I hope you've had a chance to read an update about the progress of young Edwin from Kenya. If you haven't yet, I encourage you to read the short report and leave an encouraging comment. Do you know that your words, kind thoughts and/or prayers take such a small moment out of your life but mean so much to someone else who is fighting for survival? Those of you who have gone through your own hardships will know how much it can mean to hear a small word of kindness.

I took this photo about 2 weeks ago. The sky looks so dramatic. I love the blue colour set against the white clouds.

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Kenya Missions of Hope: Where Things Are At With Edwin

Kenya Missions of Hope: Where Things Are At With Edwin: Hello friends, Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It has been a busy time for me since I wrote you last as I am finalizing ...

Sad News

My only remaining uncle had day surgery today to deal with a blocked intestine. When the doctors opened him up they found advanced stages of cancer. They sewed him up and sent him home but he has to return to the hospital soon to see whether there are any treatment options. My mom couldn't remember all the information but this is the gist of things concerning her brother. Please keep both of them in your prayers.

More From the Waterfront

This series is a continuation of my day of photos here.

Click the photos for better viewing.

I'm not sure what kind of tree blossom this is. I think it might be a pear tree.

I love this pop of red colour from the tulips on a cloudy day. I also like the bird's nest way up on the tree on the right.

These cast-bronze statues are located at English Bay's Morton Park near the waterfront in Vancouver's West End. The statutes are called "A-maze-ing Laughter, by Chinese artist Yue Minjun.

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