Saturday, August 15, 2009

"Think about your life, Pippin"


I Netflixed the 1977 movie Pippin this week because John had never seen it. Every time I see this movie, two things happen: a) I notice something new about the production design b) I cry.

Originally a Broadway musical directed by Bob Fosse, Pippin stars William Katt, Chita Rivera, and Ben Vereen. I can't imagine the original cast being better than this revival cast, and I can't imagine any other director taking this play by storm the way Fosse did. Pippin is disguised as this fluffy, fantastical, whimsical fairy tale about a boy who seeks an extraordinary life. But, hidden behind the costumes and choreography and fabulous seventies music is this incredibly deep morality tale that always leaves me speechless.

When Pippin finally recongnizes that the only time he was ever truly happy was when he was with Catherine, living under her roof and loving her son, and he sings "I'm not a river, or a giant bird that flies to the sea. But, if I'm never tied to anything, then I'll never be free" I get goosebumps.

This movie inspired me today to remember that the simplicity in life is golden, and even the most mundane, ordinary tasks can be beautiful if you have someone to share them with. Also (to add more cheese to an already cheesy post), love is all you need.

Cheers to Broadway's finer moments,
Jess

Monday, August 10, 2009

Washington...a lovely place to camp


We just got back from our Seattle adventure, and I'm really missing the Washington weather. Apparently, the temps can get pretty hot there, but we only experienced pleasant 65-85 degrees.

Enough about the weather.

We were there with our "family": a group of friends so dear and near to our hearts, they'll be our friends for forty years. Once a year, we come together to do something outrageous and fun. This year, we camped at The Gorge concert venue to hear Phish (John's favorite band of all time, and one of my new favorites) play for about 50,000 dancing fans.

John and I gave each other the trip for our one year wedding anniversary, with the disclosure that each year we will see a new show to celebrate our marriage. We also brought along our brand new tent that we got as a wedding present. This was our first time to use it, and we've fallen in love with the sweet little shelter.

Enjoy some Washington pics!



And here are a couple pics of some knitting I finished for the babies in my life:
One is an backpack for Ro (complete with elephant button from Loop)



and one is a newborn sweater with matching pants (not pictured because I finished them on the plane on the way to WA) for Baby Boy Barnes. He's due in November. Yay Scorpio!

BEAT THE HEAT,
Jess