Finding the REAL "Neverland"

Hey All,

So I finally watched the movie "Finding Neverland" (2004),
starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, and all I could think was "why have I not
seen this sooner?".

This to you, may seem like an insignificant rant and review, however I want to stress the important message this movie portrays.The movie is based on the true story of how the story of "Peter Pan" came to be, although slightly altered. It is about a man, Sir James Matthew Barrie, played by Depp, an un-successful playwriter, looking for an idea worthy of presenting to his usual un-enthusiastic, and disapproving audience. While in the park one day, he comes across a widowed woman, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, played by Winslet, and her four playful children Peter, Michael, Jack and George. Barrie soon becomes enthralled and enchanted with this women and her children, ignoring his wife and his life with her. After many 'play dates' with the boys, he decides that they would be the imprint he needed on his play, and so creates the story of "Peter Pan". The things him and the boys do are utterly magical, and so shows when he finally finishes the play, the audience is speechless. The only one who didn't make the first show was Sylvia, whom they learn is sick, or has been sick all along, but ignores it till the bitter end when it is far too late. Not to worry, Barrie brings the play home to her. And there in the small space of her living room, the show goes on, and her, sitting there pale and lifeless, lives through her imagination and through their's to see Neverland, her Neverland, and so dies with that image in her mind. By the end, the boys are left orphans, but take shelter under Barrie's wing, he had so
much love for these boys he couldn't let them go, and he never did.

So, important message?

Freedom, imagination, inspiration, being a kid, never growing up. I could go on. This movie brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of the imagination I had as a kid. I built things out of blocks and play-doh, used barbies and dolls who I named and starred in little skits with other barbies and dolls. I jumped up and down on my bed because I wanted to fly. I built sandcastles in summer, and snowmen in winter. I danced to no music. I twirled around in my moms dresses and jewlery, that were way too big for me. I sang outloud and wasn't affraid of who was listening or how bad I may have sounded. I spashed in puddles, and watered the clouds instead of the flowers in the garden.
And now, here I am, at 20 years old, and I think to myself, "wow, what an imagination, such creativity I had". Question is, would we do those things now, or would we consider them as "childish"? I think most would say that it's childish. Me, I'm a different thinker. I'm not saying to go suck your thumbs, and wear diapers, and crawl on all fours. I'm saying that there is nothing wrong with acting like a kid. So go build a snowman, build a sandcastle, dance to no music, be a kid. There's nothing wrong with that. Like the message the movie portrays, we all know and remember the magical and whimsical imaginations we had as kids, and when we have kids some day, we will in theory re-live those moments with them, as we play, and run around, and participate in tea parties with them. There are no rules. In my opinion, little things like building a snowman is a cute activity you can do with a loved one, something silly. Have fun with it and create your own "Neverland", a place where you can be a kid, no rules, no boundaries, no one to say no. A place where you can leave the real world for a moment, and be a kid, re-living those memories you will never forget, and are always able to re-create.

Night All.

Living the "Good Life"

Hey To Those Who Probablly Gave up on This Blog,

Its been about 2 years or so since I've written in my blog. Only created for an assignment for school, for some reason I felt compelled to return to its whimsical wonders. Oh the art of a blog, one can write about what ever they want, and to pick up where I left off, I do believe I was writing about the vague, and yet ever-so-complicated topic of Life. Well this time I've come prepared with plenty more ideas in hand to spark the imagination.Now having taken a turn of life-changing events that have altered my life as it is now, I've had to re-arrange my views, my perspectives, and my path on this long journey through life. Things happen, and you have to take them in stride I suppose, the good and the bad. In some ways, things are inevidible, and bound to happen at some point or another. I think the path that I am now on, is more logical, and will certainly benefit me in the long run.

Sometimes I think that its not such a bad thing to examine the path you're on. Like questioning to yourself whether the life you are living makes you genuinly happy or not, etc. As philosopher Socrates believed, the purpose in spreading the word of his philosophy, was to teach people to question themselves and examine their lifestyles in ways that help them understand how to live a truely blessed life, or the "Good life", as he liked to call it, in order for the soul to prosper in the afterlife. Doing things that are good for the mind and soul, instead of pouring all energy into posessions and materialistic things which are of less importance, is the key. It is the small, non-material, non-technological posessions we have that are of true importance.

So maybe consider the way you're living. Is it rightous? But most importantly, does it make you happy? Are you genuinly doing what is good for your mind and soul? In saying to consider these questions, don't misunderstand my advice, don't dramatically alter your lifestyle, unless you feel it's necessary. In cases where it may be needed, listen to your gut, your soul, and you will know when it's right. No one knows your life better than you. You are of the greatest importance.

Anyway, back to an assignment I've been long procrastinating..

"The un-examined life is not worth living"- Socrates

I'm Dreaming of a Wet Christmas?

So am I the only one who's been wondering where all the snow went? Last I
checked, 'twas the month of December. Either way, wherever the snow may be
falling, I'm not minding all the rain.

Usually with this much rain, all
I'd want to do is curl up in a little ball, stay in bed and read a good novel
about an adventure. Not having to wonder or worry about what shapes my hair will
decide to make, or if my feet will stay dry. But for some, the rain is a gift.

The following is a passage from a post on a blog I had come across, which I
found to be inspiring:

"But rainy days mean something different when you are working with recovering drug users. For many, rainy days are something to look forward to.On a rainy day the drug dealers would have gone inside, and the person recovering from drug addiction can actually walk to the subway without feeling a sense of temptation. A rainy day is a sigh of relief, because you know your son who is still using would have stayed home that night. You don't have to worry what he's up to, and a rainy night is a night you can actually get some sleep.For a lot of my clients, a rainy day is a break from all the temptations and stress related to drug use and the process of recovery.
A rainy day is one where they can just concentrate on themselves and the outside world isn't as big of an influence. It's not a day to be gloomy about, but one to be thankful for and relish. So as one of my clients said today "Let's bring on the rain"".

"Bring On The Rain" Posted By Chelsea A White
April 21, 2009 3:58 PM
Not another "Moo" point, http://blogs.nyu.edu/blogs/caw338/notanothermoopoint/

So maybe we should all suck it up a little bit. The rain isn't so bad. Let's embrace the rain. Let it
soak deep into the skin of our beings, and cleanse our souls. It's a natural gift from above for all. Just one of the small simplicities in life that, although claimed as gloomy, has been proven to put a smile on ones face. So get on out there and splash in those puddles, make some mud pies and be a kid again. You're never to young or too old to have fun during a rainy day.

Give and You Shall Receive

So I was thinking to myself the other day over some rather tasty hot chocolate, that Christmas time is drawing near and I hadn't started my Christmas shopping yet. I then made a naughty and nice list, and set out to grab some gifts.

While at the store, something dawned on me. I have money. Not much mind you, being a university student and all, but I still had money. I am able to buy the things I need, whether it be food, clothing or school supplies. I am lucky enough to have that privilege. Some are not. It's hard not to think about the under privileged people who have to suffer unfairly each and every day, and especially at this time of year. So why not lend a helping hand and send some love and support their way. Food drives, toy drives, clothing drives, and money donations all help. Most communities participate in these fundraisers throughout the year, but Christmas time is the most spirited time of the year. So lets so our spirit and take part in these fundraisers. Dig through those cupboards and find those cans of food you'll never eat, search through that closet of yours and find those items of clothing that you know you'll never wear, and look in that attic for those old kids toys you know you'll never play with again. How happy do you think it will make a child for them to receive a toy to play with on Christmas morning? Or a family, with warm clothes to wear for the cold weather? What could be more rewarding gift than the feeling of giving this to someone in need. Indeed it is far from a waste of time donating a few minutes of your time and effort into doing a good deed for the community and ultimately, yourself.

Time Be Told When Days Grow Old and We Fail To Preserve Them

Hello All.

As in my latest post, I have another dear author to share with you, Mitch Albom.

Once again, on the left-hand side of the window, I have provided the link to his official website. Unlike Sparks' website, Albom's site contains not only information about his books, but also news on his latest books and tours, when the release of a movie or play of his book is coming out, a discussion board, and other works of his in the field of sports journalism ad radio.

I've read and own his three wonderful works. "For One More Day", "Tuesdays With Morrie", and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", are fantastic. They are incredibly inspirational towards the way one lives their life. They make you understand that the small things in life, the people around you, are ever-so important, and must not be taken for granted. They are sure to capture your attention and your heart.

"Sparking" The Imagination

I came to a realization that it would be silly of me to not mention my all-time favorite romantic novelist, Nicholas Sparks, in my blog.

On the left-hand side of the window, I have provided a link to his official website where you are able to read up on his 15 books, and learn what they are about. His website also allows you to get in touch and learn about, other authors that are world renowned, and their books, by far, worth reading. I, myself, have read over six of Sparks' wonderful novels and can't wait to read the rest of them. Whether fact or fiction, they are all fantastic reads. You will cry, laugh, and smile while reading. His words seem to grasp you by the heart, and leave you dying to read on. Each book provides you with a life lesson to learn. Learning to love, the ability to overcome tragedy, the wonderfulness that is life, etc. The site itself may not be too interesting, but it does provide you with a bit of background on the books for further reading. Some of my favorite books of his are: "The Notebook", "A Walk To Remember", "Dear John", " Nights in Rodanthe", and "Message in a Bottle". Most of the previous books have been made into splendid movies, and they keep on coming, but nothing beats the books.

Wireless Connections With a Wired Bunch

Hey there viewers.

Once again I return with another site that i recommend all of those who are in need of some advice, or support with resolutions of all kinds, to check out.

The blog site of www.43things.com is a very in-depth, and very popular site which provides excellent help, advice and support from various people from all over. It is intended that you create your own blog to participate in the discussions as well as for commenting the posts of others, but if you wish not to do so, you are still able to access the posts of others. What is interesting about the blog is after you create your own blog in the site, you choose 43 things that you wish to accomplish within the new year. Almost like new year resolutions. Then it provides you with others who are wishing to accomplish the same goals, and from there you are free to chat with them about way of how you can achieve these goals, and your success stories.

I find it wonderful to have this kind of support, and be able to give that kind of support to others. I was overwhelmed at how many success stories there were, and how many people achieved their goals within a reasonable time. Keep in mind that achieving your goals doesn't just come over night, it takes time and effort, so patience is very important. No matter how old you are, this site gives you an opportunity to learn and grow, into your own success. Whether the goal be learning to love yourself, overcoming a tragedy, or succeeding at any and all aspects in life, your support team is waiting for you. Everyone is so willing and enthusiastic it's incredible.

This is by far, worth checking out!