Movie Review - "A Time for Drunken Horses"

I balled like a baby during this movie. It's the story of a brother's love and sacrifice for his family, particularly for his crippled brother that is in great need of an operation. He becomes the head of his household after the death of their parents and exemplifies all the qualities of a true hero. He is so selfless and loving and I'm sobbing even as I write this, thinking of how realistic this story actually is.

There is so much suffering and sorrow in the world. Comparing myself to them and "counting my blessings" seems selfish of me. Deep down I want to help children like them, it would be a true blessing to do so. I have the compassion for it, but do I have everything else it would take to "become" the next "Mother Teresa" and help those in direst need?

This is a must see! It received Best Film Award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival and many other awards on top of that AND it's currently on Netflix. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you watch it.

An Evening of Christmas Classics at the Sowbys

Tonight the Sowbys held their annual musical gathering for Christmas (it's been going on for 18 years - minus the time they were on their 3 missions). They are the sweetest couple that I met when they were serving their mission in Virginia. Not long after they left Virginia, they were called to Washington, DC to serve a mission and I was in their ward then as well. What a blessing it is to know this wonderful couple. Here they are:

I want to be just like them!!

 Tonight's gathering was wonderful! Family and friends gathered in their newly built house and sang beautiful choir music and watched a dozen or so performances. There were performances on the piano, violin, glockenspiel, harp, ukulele (me), and voice. The best part is when Bro. Sowby pulled out a suitcase full of kid percussion instruments, and everyone sang Jingle Bells while the kids stood up front and played.

Here's a pic of me with my brother's ukulele. His is much nicer than mine (maybe someday I'll upgrade).

It was a happy, fun, peaceful, beautiful, spirit-filled evening. I told them that they now need to invite me every year!

Overhead shot of me singing/playing "Silver Bells" at their house.

And now you get to hear my song. This was my first public performance on the ukulele (I didn't get a recording at the event, so recorded it when I got home). The arrangement I found was in a really low key, but I made do.
p.s. They have the coolest house. It's a dream come true for their grandchildren with a dress-up room and stage, a playroom in the basement, and a kids' bedroom. Yet at the same time, it's extremely classy. If I had a house of my own, it would be just like theirs.

Joulutarina (Christmas Story)

The touching story of how Santa Claus came to be Santa. I saw this Scandinavian film with my mom this weekend at BYU's International Cinema and fell in love with the story (I cried at least 4 times!). We got home and bought it right away and it will now be a yearly tradition for me to watch this. I know that we don't celebrate Santa Claus at Christmas, but this story beautifully shows the Christlike love that happens in the life of Nikolas as he overcomes tragedy and turns his life to one of complete selfless service and giving. The cinematography is breathtaking. "Christmas Story" is one not to be missed.