Pan's Labyrinth

Have you been to see Pan's Labyrinth yet? Please tell me, what did you think?

Zak and I went to see it tonight. I can't remember the last time I saw something so cruel and dark. I do often enjoy dark and violent movies, but after this one we both felt like we'd been physically beaten. While it's true that it was beautiful, we both felt that it was gratuitously brutal.

It's possible that it was just not what either of us needed to see tonight. I was strongly inclined to leave, and I know Zak would have been happy to leave as well, but I really wanted to see it and I knew I would never be able to sit through that first murder again.

There were a few years, in my mid-twenties, when I had a really hard time watching violence in movies. It's possible that I'm going through another such time; I keep thinking I would have enjoyed the movie more at other times in my life. I really would like to hear more opinions about this movie.

The Bar Has Been Raised

My friend Kirsti just sent a link to these fantastic ads for Katia. Go see them now.

First Daffodils

I usually go for walks in the late evening. I like the dark, and the quiet streets. It's not such a factor right now, but I'm not a fan of hot weather and bright sunlight. In the summer, I stay indoors much more then in the winter. As well, I tend to be fairly nocturnal, especially at times like right now, when I'm working most of my waking hours.

I needed a break this morning, and it was late enough for things to be open, so I took a short walk to get a coffee. I thought I'd walk 2 blocks each way, but it was such a beautiful, mild, fragrant, wet day that I ended up walking about 20 blocks. I discovered that less than 5 blocks from my house, there is a tiny, old-fashioned looking church, the size of a small house. It's all painted blue and white with a hand-painted sign. I have walked down that street before, and never noticed it. The next time I go for a walk during the day, I'll try to remember my camera.

This often happens when I take a daytime walk through an area I usually walk in at night; I notice new details (or, ahem, new buildings) in familiar places. The neighbourhoods near me are pleasant at any time of day; there are nice gardens, houses with unusual details, and lots of trees. It's also rife with churches, schools and shops. There's a lot to notice.

When I got home I peeked out the back door, which is next to my desk. At the foot of the steps was these:



I love Vancouver.

My Thrilling Job

This one's for Symeon. A few months ago she sent me some photos of pages of notes for a design in progress, and I said they reminded me of what my editing notebooks look like.

I have several books full of this:





Yeah. I live the glamorous life, I tell you.

More Pollyanna BS

The nicest thing about having a bad cold or flu, is the way it becomes an incredible luxury to breathe normally once my sinuses have cleared. I just have to remember to notice it.