Monday, March 31, 2008

the kite runner...

It wasn't exactly kite-flying weather around here this weekend. We have reverted to winter temperatures...winter clothing...and winter activities. That means we spent the weekend indoors.

On Saturday night we picked up the newly released screen version of "The Kite Runner". We had actually planned to watch it on the big screen at our local theatre earlier in the week, but it was sold out by the time we arrived. So we decided to throw our own little theatre party...and invited some friends to join us. The seats were comfy...the popcorn was free...we even had occasional commentary...the screen could have been a few feet larger (especially since a lot of the movie has sub-titles). But it was a good movie to see...it actually puts you right there in Afghanistan!

The Kite Runner is the story of Amir and his childhood friend, Hassan...who fly kites together on the streets of Kabul in the 1970's and have an idyllic friendship. As Amir comes to realize that his friend is of a scorned ethnic group, he too rejects his best friend. After the Soviets invade Afghanistan, Amir flees to America with is father and here he attempts to build a successful life for himself. He can never forget the sins of his youth...and eventually chooses to risk his life to protect the helpless to make amends. Almost without exception, I enjoy the book better than the movie, and I was glad to have read The Kite Runner first...it goes into so much more detail. But the movie was so well done...and it gave me a picture of life in Kabul before and after the Taliban. (Just don't rent this DVD if you are looking for something on the lighter side!)

And since it was a 'soupy' kind of weekend, I cooked up a pot of quick & easy tortellini soup, which I snagged from Trish's new blog. Check it out...lots of yummy recipes and musings from a busy gal with a knack for writing! I added a few spices to the soup...namely basil, oregano & cayenne and we quite enjoyed it.

Yesterday we met out-of-town family for lunch...had a wonderful meal together and eventually moved to the DQ for dessert. A wee bit of sun actually poked through the clouds for a bit in the afternoon...


...and I caught a few images of the weeping willow trees with their new foliage.


The cherry blossoms are just beginning to open...the flowers don't quite know what to make of the cool weather!

But who needs flowers when the leaves are so brilliant? I love the colours of spring!

The rain came down to end our day...but somewhere not too far away the sun was shining! This morning we have grey skies and wet roads...but that won't be stopping me from my morning walk, since I won't be walking alone today. There's nothing like good company to make the miles go by!

16 comments:

  1. Thanks for the 'plug'. You are the best photographer I know and you definitely have a knack for bringing us all along on your daily journal.Great shots.

    I am still missing my measuring cup....even after all the 'dust' settled and I cleaned my kitchen....sigh. Until I rise again from the work world...I will certainly not be looking for any cooking utensils.

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  2. Oh, I nearly forgot...the movie. I have NOT seen the movie but read the book well over a year ago. I highly recommend it...at least the book. Life is very very much like the book describes (and I am sure the movie shows) in these countries....

    What a poignant story.

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  3. I believe I saw the trailer for that movie and thought at the time that I'd really like to see it! So happy to hear a rave review!
    Love the photos! Thanks for sharing!

    Jan

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  4. It's a great movie. I have the DVD.
    Thanks for sharing a piece of your poppy seed cake this morning. At least we added 7500 steps according to my pedometer.
    I captured the same sunset last night.
    Wasn't it beautiful?

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  5. Wow Judy...you have outdone yourself today..Gorgeous images and I loved them all..the last picture was unbelievable...I love my little visits to see what it's like in your part of this beautiful world...you have indeed settled in one of the prettiest...Thanks for movie review...now I want to see it...All good wishes today...Dee Dee

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  6. Judy, I was going to take this book along and didn't. Now I'm sorry. I'll put the DVD on the list to rent. It's always so good to know what has been tried and worthy of watching.

    Your spring pictures are wonderful.

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  7. The soup looks delicious and perfect for a cool day.

    I'm sorry that the weather is in decline. It snowed here all day again.

    The movie sounds intense. Is that how you'd describe it? I'm more of a comedic drama kind of gal...whaddya think? Could I handle it?

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  8. Here too, the weather that was warm turned cold...rainy, but that's okay. The book was wonderful and certainly not fluff...sad. The photo's are just wonderful.
    Sandi

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  9. First of all I want to say Congrats on your win over at Vee's, good for you Judy!!! :)

    Can't wait to see what your suprise gift will be.

    Your tortellini soup looks so yummy, I love anything with pasta, gee I wonder why... ;)

    Your photo's in this post are stunning...what a beautiful farm you have. Thanks for sharing your space....

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