Category: Random Musings

Posted on

Widows – Movie Review

Wow! Now I love a good robbery caper and this movie did not disappoint. This film had suspense, intrigue, romance, drama and a surprising twist that had everyone in the theatre (me included) yelling at the screen.

Directed by Steve McQueen and co-written by McQueen and Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl), the script is tight and superbly acted by the ensemble cast. Everyone was on top of their games. Even the dog.

Here is the premise taken from the movie website:  A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows — Veronica, Linda, Alice, and Belle — have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses’ criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, Veronica joins forces with the other three women to pull off a heist that her husband was planning.

When I tell you that those women did the damn thing, trust that they did that. Viola Davis as Veronica is an acting genius and she should get all the awards. You know Viola is on one when that snot bubble makes an appearance. I mean, you feel the pain when Viola cries no matter what character she’s playing. All of the women were given enough of a back story that they felt real. These are women you know. You could be one of these women.

I could go on but there are other reviews more detailed on the web. You should go see this movie. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Posted on

What’s Your Theme Song?

I believe everyone should have a theme song. I’ve used “Every Woman”, Whitney Houston version to hype myself up. That’s no longer my state of mind. I can’t be ‘everything to everybody’ anymore. (Shout out to my therapist.)

Now, this is my new statement song. “I Like That” by Janelle Monae.  Enjoy below and add your theme song in the comments.

#themesongs, #mdrayfordwrites, #settlingdown2019

Posted on

Editing & More Editing

I love writing and making up stories. I’m beginning to embrace the art of editing.

Right now I have an editing deadline of Sunday night. Will I make it? #justkeepwriting

Posted on

Where It Began

Where it All Began

I was going through things at my Mom’s house and found this. It made me smile. My very first published book, The Hard Times of Stephanie Ross.

I can clearly see a 5th grade me working with my teacher, Mrs. Bass. I remember writing the story. I can smell the cardboard and glue I used to craft the book. I can feel the pride of my parents and teacher when I was recognized by the school district. I got a ribbon and a certificate that day. There was a picture but I couldn’t find that.

This was the moment I learned I could create stories. It’s amazing I can remember my teacher’s name after all this time.

I had several other teachers and professors along the way who encouraged me and recognized that creative spark inside of me. Teachers have a thankless and necessary job molding young minds. The good ones are rarely honored but I hope they know they are appreciated.

Crew, do you remember any teachers in your past that helped shape your future? Shout them out in the comments below.

Posted on

What I’m Reading – An American Marriage

Over the weekend I read Tayari Jones latest release, An American Marriage. Saying that this book is “good” is an understatement. Go get it. Read it now and get your life.

This book gives you what you’ve come to expect from a good book. The hook pulls you in and the storyline keeps you turning the pages. I read the book in two days staying up until 3 a.m. to finish. I couldn’t put it down.

Since I have been on this writing journey, I no longer read books strictly for entertainment. I try to learn new techniques.

Tayari Jones’ novel is a master class in story telling. The character development is realistic, the pacing is perfect and the imagery puts you in the story. A freaking master class.

The only thing I didn’t like was the book cover. Even that makes sense and ties into the overall story.

I plan to read it again. You should read it too.

What do you think? Have you read it? Let’s discuss.

Posted on

Don’t Let Fear Stop You

I got my first 5 star review for my book, Moment of Truth, and I am pumped!  And even though I’m still nervous about this publishing thing, this is confirmation from the universe that no one should ever let fear stop them.

I have followed Luvvie Ajayi’s blog for several years. (If you haven’t, you should definitely check her out.) She started with a blog doing Scandal recaps, to publishing a book and now she is doing TED talks. I feel like I watched my first cousin come up.

Anyway, I watched her TED talk and it reminded me of the Marianne Williamson quote, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.”

I’m trying to walk in the light. Check out Luvvie’s TED talk below:

 

Posted on

A Mountain Getaway

wpid-20140726_134125.jpg

The Hubby continues to amaze me with his love for new adventures. This past weekend we went on a mountain getaway.  We stayed at the Andon-Reid Bed & Breakfast Inn in Waynesville, NC.  This place is a little piece of heaven.  Check out the mountain view below:

wpid-20140725_143310.jpg
Simply beautiful!

The innkeeper, Mark and Kari, are gracious hosts.  We were greeted like family home for a weekend visit.  We were given a tour of the renovated home, which mixes  modern conveniences like walk in showers with various antiques.  Kari made sure we knew about local restaurants for dinner and made a reservation for us.  We told them that we planned to ride the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad the next morning and Kari provided the best directions to get there (about 20-30 minutes away) and gave  us an interesting history lesson as well.  Breakfast was delicious and everything was made from scratch.

We had a wonderful weekend.  The town of Waynesville is a quaint little country town and everyone we interacted with was friendly.  The mountain air made for some relaxing sleep and Mark and Kari helped make the weekend memorable.  We met some interesting couples at the inn.  We even got an astrology lesson from one of the other guest as we sat around the fire pit one evening.

Hubby really outdid himself this time.  I loved our weekend in the mountains.  I hope to go back again.

20140726_140808 (1)

 

If you are planning a trip to the mountains, take my advice and stay at the Andon-Reid Bed and Breakfast.  You will be glad you did.

20140726_082953

20140726_083005

Posted on

NBA Playoffs – Round 2

I know they aren't in the playoffs! Let me live.
I know they aren’t in the playoffs! Let me live.

 

My favorite team, the Lakers are not in the playoffs this year.  See my post about the first round here.

I have watched a lot of basketball over the past week.  Not caring who wins has given me a new  perspective on the game.  I made some predictions for the first round.  Let’s see how I did.

EAST

Pacers vs. Hawks – My prediction:  Pacers in 7 (Pacers looked shaky in this series.)

Heat vs. Bobcats – My prediction:  Heat in 4 (Too easy.)

Raptors vs.  Nets – My prediction:  Nets in 6 (Nets needed an extra game to get it done.)

Bulls vs. Wizards – My prediction:  Wizards in 6 (Wizards only needed 5 games.)

 

WEST

Spurs vs. Mavericks – My prediction: Spurs in 4 (Totally missed on this one.  Spurs needed 7 games.)

Thunder vs. Grizzlies – My prediction:  Thunder in 7 (Nailed it.)

Clippers vs. Warriors – My prediction: Clippers in 7 (Got this one too.)

Rockers vs. Trailblazers – My prediction: Trailblazers in 7 (Was really happy Blazers took care of the Rockets in 6 games.)

******************************

Not too bad.  On to the second round:

Pacers vs. Wizards – My prediction:  Wizards in 7 (tough call)

Heat vs. Nets – My prediction:  Heat in 6

Spurs vs. Blazers – My prediction: Spurs in 6

Thunder vs. Clippers – My prediction:  Thunder in 7 (close call)

Let’s see how I do in the next round.