The 1989 Movie 'Always' - A Must See!

Always

Have you ever seen the 1989 movie “Always” written by Steven Spielberg starring Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, John Goodman and Audrey Hepburn?

It’s one of my all-time favorites! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh some more and in the end you'll be left with a feeling of hopefulness.

Richard Dreyfuss plays a risk taking Aerial Firefighter named Pete while Holly Hunter plays his love interest, also a pilot and dispatcher, named Durinda. They’re very much in love. John Goodman, also an Aerial Firefighter, plays the part of the best friend.

Pete (Dreyfuss) takes one risk too many while trying to put out a forest fire and Durinda is completely devastated and cannot get past losing the love of her life.

Although Pete dies, he suddenly finds himself in a field getting his hair cut by a spiritual guide played by Audrey Hepburn, named ‘Hap’. She explains to Pete (after he realizes he’s died) that it’s his job to provide “Spirit” or some call it the divine breath, also referred to as Intuition, to a living soul, since his time is done.

Hap explains to Pete that “they'll hear you inside their own minds as if it were their own thoughts.”

His tough assignment is to inspire a young handsome, almost incompetent, Aerial Firefighter. However, this young man finds his path crossing with Durinda (Pete’s love), and Pete has difficulty letting go enough to aid this new relationship along.

Even though it was made in 1989, it still has a current feel to it. By the way, the theme song for this movie is the beautiful “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”.


Here's a trailer for the movie, rent this one, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

There's a line from the movie I'll frequently quote around the house (I'm sure most of you have movie lines you toss about): John Goodman is trying to convince Holly Hunter to date the new tall good looking hot trainee and with typical sass, Holly Hunter states:

'He's too much twisted steel and sex appeal. I can't be with a guy that looks like I won him in a raffle' - LOL!  

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Elephant Appreciation Day Gift Review

Elephant Appreciation Day is September 22

Available on Amazon

Elephant Appreciation Day became a National holiday in 1996. It was created by Wayne Hepburn after he received the gift of a paperweight with elephants on parade from his daughter. That gift began an elephant fascination for Wayne and he began collecting elephant books and objects.  Having a day to appreciate elephants is a fun reminder for all of us.  Celebrate by visiting a zoo or wildlife center to enjoy this huge beast in person, or read a book or watch a movie about elephants. 

There are also elephant books and toys which make great gifts and Elephant Appreciation Day is the perfect day to browse through a few of these gift ideas.

Horton Hears a Who!

An elephant well-known to children comes alive on the pages of Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who where Horton promises the people of a tiny world called 'Whoville' that he will protect them.  

Written in 1954, this charming story has a special message, that of "a person’s a person, no matter how small." 

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant

In a delightful children's book series by British author David McKee, kids learn about a colorful patchworked pachyderm and the importance of being unique and why it's okay to be different. You can find Elmer Books on eBay

 

Pink Elephants on Parade 

The 'seeing of' Pink elephants  was originally used as a description for what one who 'imbibes-too-much' sees.  Today, the term 'Pink elephant' is used for many things. 

Pink Elephants on Parade is a song from the Disney animated film “Dumbo”.  Remember when Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse become intoxicated when their drinking water is spiked with champagne and they see pink elephants singing, dancing and playing marching band instruments? 

Pink Plush Pachyderm

A pink plush elephant handmade in crochet makes a delightful cuddly toy for a little girl or a darling new baby gift. 

Created by Wednesday Elf, this adorable pink elephant can be found in her Etsy Shop Coastal Crochet Crafts. 

 Pink Elephants for the Garden?

Why not! What fun to liven up your gardening with a whimsical pink elephant watering can!  Handy in the garden and, since it holds 2 quarts of water, it is the perfect size for your window box flowers or house plants. Available here on eBay! 

Fun Elephant Facts

Baby Elephant and Birds Photo Print by jurassic_world

 

• The elephant is largest land animal in existence.
• Elephants are intelligent animals and thought to be very wise.
• Elephants love pumpkins and watermelon!
• Elephants are considered a good luck symbol. They say that having an elephant symbol face the door will bring good luck into the house. 

Enjoy Elephant Appreciation Day

Anything unrelated to elephants is irrelephant mug

by Crosier

So, circle September 22 on your calendar and get ready to celebrate and appreciate this unique animal on Elephant Appreciation Day.


(c) Wednesday Elf  9/19/2015. Updated 1/16/2024

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Site Review: Richard Burns Art Website

One of my favorite current day artists is Richard Burns.  Having his artwork available to purchase online is fabulous for those of us who prefer shopping at home.  It gives us time to really look closely and consider our purchases.  Of course, in the case of Richard Burns Art, I don't really need a lot of time.  I already know his style and artwork is exquisite. 

I have visited many museums in my lifetime.  Spent hours viewing and considering the artwork that is displayed.  There are times when I have wondered what the artist was thinking when they were painting a particular piece, and other times when I have thought I knew exactly what was going through their minds.  It is the latter style of art that I prefer.

While I am often intrigued by abstract art, it is the realistic art that speaks to my soul.  When an artists captures the realistic beautiful essence of a natural being or setting, that is real art to me.  When an artist can look at something and paint it on a canvas with such mastery that I completely feel I am there, or that I could reach out and touch a living thing, then I know I am viewing the work of an exceptional artist.

Animals by Richard Burns

Tigers Icy Courtship by Richard Burns

I love animals, so it will come as no surprise to anyone to learn that my favorite Richard Burns collection is his Animal art.

His wildlife art is fabulous!  The detail on the fur or feathers makes me believe I could reach right into the print and touch they magnificent big cats, wolves, coyote and fowl.

I can almost feel the softness of a tiger's skin or the course matting of the wolves thick coat.



Look at the eyes, the head and the tail of the wolf in the forefront of the painting below.  See how his head is lifted, his eyes are almost closed and how is tail is down, almost flush against his body?  That is exactly the way a wolf looks when he howls.  Perhaps, that is why I have always thought the wolf howls from deep within himself, expressing his heartfelt concerns.  Every part of his body "howls" with his voice.  I can almost see this one breathing.

Arctic Echoes by Richard Burns

Cottages & Houses by Richard Burns

The cottages, houses and lighthouse paintings by Richard Burns are ideal.  While we rarely see such beauty in this world, we can have the image captured forever on canvas.  Their serenity and elegance can grace our own homes constantly and the flowers will always be in full bloom.

Serenity Cottages II by Richard Burns

Angels by Richard Burns

I am surrounded by angels.  Not just in the spiritual realm, but also in the artwork I choose to display in my own home.  I always look at the hair color, the facial features as well as the overall design.  Whimsical is fine, but I like the pretty angels.  I love the flowing gowns, the detailed wings and the accents, like the flowers in the picture below, in Richard Burns' Angel collection.

Moon Angel by Richard Burns

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Travel Tips Book Reviews

Love to travel? Whether you are looking for a small gift for someone who loves to travel or you are someone who loves to travel yourself, if you are seeking out the best travel tips ever, you will love these two small and inexpensive books that are packed with BIG travel tips.

On this page, you will find a quick review of two tiny but helpful books of travel tips and a few additional resources for still more travel tips.

Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips

Firstly, you might want to seek out a copy of Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips.

This is one of the tiniest travel tip books that I have ever seen but it is jam packed with tons of travel secrets and advice from veteran travellers.

9 Reasons Why Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips Book Is A Great Resource:

This book will give you simple pointers for:

• Packing and preparing for your trip.
• Money issues.
• Health concerns.
• Safety and security issues.
• Air and ground transportation hints.
• Hotel tips.
• Technology ideas.
• Ways to make the most of your trip.
• Ways to travel in an eco-friendly manner.

From the book, Hint Number 2: Don't take anything to the beach that you would not want to lose.

At the beach, carry valuables in a protective case
like this one from Aquapac.

It is an obvious point and one that is easily fixed though many never get around to taking the proper precautions.  I have struggled with this before. Going to the beach, setting up a spot as a home base and then wanting to go for a swim but who is going to watch the stuff? Common sense says that anything left alone on the beach might disappear. The recommendation from Lonely Planet's travel tip book is not to take anything to the beach that you would not want to lose AND to carry an Aquapac for your keys, money, identification, camera and/or cellphone. A protective, waterproof case will keep a few important things safe and dry. If you are carrying a cellphone or camera, there's even an Aquapac for that specific purpose.

Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips may not be for the most seasoned of travellers. If you think you have travelled a lot and learned a lot about travelling, you might want to pass. However, if you are not an experienced traveller or if you want to make sure you have learned as many secrets as you can, this little book is a tiny gem. For a couple of dollars you can take advantage of the wealth of experience the experts at Lonely Planet have gathered together to help you make the best of your trip.

Read more about Lonely Planet's Best-Ever Travel Tips on Amazon.

The Essential Little Cruise Book

Here is another little travel tips book that is packed with expert advice. I love this book, The Essential Little Cruise Book: Expert Advice for Planning and Enjoying a Perfect Vacation at Sea by Jim West. It provides plenty of hints that will be relevant to any cruise vacation. It also provides a wonderful list of top 10 recommended shore excursions and do-not-miss sights for cruise tours in each of the different geographical areas that people cruise in. It won't replace a big cruise guide but it is extremely practical for providing hints about onboard life and at under $5 or just over $5 for your Kindle, it is quite affordable. It offers insight into how to handle different situations on a cruise ship that you do not usually find in the other cruise books.

Read more about The Essential Little Cruise Book on Amazon.

Do you have any travel books you would endorse to the rest of us?

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

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Review: Kohler Cimarron Toilet

When You Need To Replace A Toilet

We recently decided to remodel our master bathroom and one of the things we wanted to update was our toilet. The Kohler Cimarron was our choice and I have to tell you, we are not sorry that we made that selection! 

Actually, this is the first time in my over 60 years on this earth that I shopped for a toilet. It just is not something we find ourselves in the market for very often. I've owned several homes but have never felt the need to update or replace this very important fixture in our bathrooms. 

This all started when I decided that I wanted remove the carpet in the room. After I had ripped up the carpet and padding, my husband said that he thought it would be really easy to replace our "throne" while the carpet was out. I have to be honest, it wasn't in my original plan but I thought that it wasn't a bad idea. So, I started some quick research on what our options would be and of course how much this would add to our DIY update project. 

I quickly figured out that I wanted the newer option of the chair height. My husband and I are no longer spring chickens and the idea of having a toilet that was not so low to the ground appealed to both of us. It is so much easier on our knees for both sitting down and getting up. Our more maturely aged readers will understand what I mean!

I did quite a bit of looking online and then we went to our local Lowes to see my two choices. We both liked the Kohler Cimarron the best. The pricing was in the middle range as far as toilets go so we liked that. There were cheaper ones but honestly, they looked cheap, too. 

Kohler Cimarron Round Toilet

One thing that I said to my husband after we purchased our toilet and started to install it was, "Whoever designed this thing has cleaned a toilet before." Now, that may sound like a weird thing to say but let me explain. Most of the time the seat sits above the bowl about an inch or so and it causes nasty stuff to get on the seat and the rim of the bowl. You know what I mean! This seat fits snugly on top of the bowl which will prevent any of that gunk to have to be cleaned off. Another thing that I love is that the seat and the lid will slowly go into place on their own, no accidentally dropping the seat or lid or slamming it down. It is quiet and really kind of fun to watch.

Another feature that we like is that is a water saver. I was a little concerned about whether it would flush properly by using less water but I really had nothing to worry about. The release of the water is so powerful that the lesser amount of water is plenty to get the job done. No more wasted water!

Everything you need to install the toilet is included in your purchase. The wax ring (seals the toilet to the sewer drain), the seat and the mounting bolts. Some toilets do not include these things so this was a nice surprise. The only thing that we purchased extra was a new line for the water. We would not have had to buy it but we decided that it was a good idea to replace the old one while we were doing the job.

Now, here is something that I think is really cool. You can order this online from the website. It won't be shipped to your home (it weighs 100 pounds) but you can have it delivered to your local store and go pick it up. Another option is to have it delivered to the store and then for a delivery fee the store will bring it to your home. You can install it yourself, like we did, or you can have a professional do it for you. It will cost you for the install but that is an option, too. There are directions on how to do it yourself.

Getting the old toilet out was not as difficult as I imagined it might be. We emptied as much of the water as we could and then stuffed an old towel in to absorb the little bit of water remaining as we carried it out of the bathroom.

I would have never imagined that I could get so excited about a new toilet but I am so happy with our choice. As I mentioned before, it is not something I ever bought before but when I needed a new one I found making the choice wasn't very difficult. So, if you find yourself doing a remodel or building a new home and need to make a choice, I can highly recommend the Kohler Cimarron for your bathroom. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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