Inspired by the Oscars

Every February, I get super excited towards the end of the month. Why? The Oscars, baby! I’m addicted, absolutely love it. The excitement, the buzz, the fashion, the fashion faux-pas, the energy, but most of all - the inspiration it gives me. You see, since I was about twenty years old, I’ve dreamed of myself up there on that red carpet. Not as an actress or anything silly like that. But as a screenwriter - actually as an Oscar-Nominated screenwriter. What? A girl can have ambition, can’t she?

photo credit: oscars academy awards via photopin (license)

I usually love the oscar speeches by the underdogs, or simply by those that have worked incredibly hard to get there. The ones that talk to the screen during their speech and tell us that we CAN do it. They tell us that if they can do it, we can do it. And I always believe them. I know that I can. I have it in me. I’m sure of it.
I haven’t written any completed screenplays just yet, because I’ve been concentrating on writing novels but it is in my future plan. Maybe I’ll start later this year? Who knows?
As is always the case, this year’s Oscars left me teary-eyed at times, but I love that. I’m such an emotional gal, you know? One of the most emotional moments was during the performance of Glory from the Selma movie. Boy was that amazing. Have you seen it? It’s beautiful. Oh and I must mention Lady Gaga. I mean... WOW, that Sound of Music performance rocked. She was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!! Who knew, eh? If you didn't see it, check it out below.
As for the fashion, there certainly were some interesting frocks - but none of them really blew me away this year. Jessica Chastain’s navy blue dress came pretty close though.
Dougie Howser… erm, sorry Neil Patrick Harris was a fabulous host and certainly did a cracking job - I particularly enjoyed his 'walk of shame’ on to the stage wearing nothing but his underpants, socks and shoes!

Did you watch the Oscars this year? What did you think? Did it inspire you?

Julie & Julia: what a lovely film

Who doesn't love a good movie? Or a great piece of television?

The other night I watched a movie that I'd never really taken much notice of when it first came out. It was about that famous cook, Julia Child. I mean, if I'm completely honest, I'd never even heard of the woman. But then, I'm not one who enjoys spending too much time in the kitchen, if you know what I mean. Basically, I'm not really the best cook in the world. I can cook, don't get me wrong, but I'd rather be doing something else given half the chance. Another reason why I love my dear other half... he's a fabulous cook and he thoroughly enjoys it too.

So, back to the movie. It was called Julie & Julia, based on two true stories, starring Meryl Streep as Julia Child and Amy Adams as blogger Julie Powell who challenges herself to cook all of the recipes from Child's first cook book in a year. I was absolutely captivated by the performances of these two actresses and couldn't take my eyes off the screen. It was one of those incredible feel good movies, the sort that you could watch over and over, you know?
It's got some lovely, heartwarming scenes and some that left me in fits of giggles (the one with the lobster, for example).

Julia Child comes across as having been a real oddball character. She was gutsy, you know. And Julie Powell just comes across as absolutely adorable.
Oh and I mustn't forget the wonderful Stanley Tucci... he's one hell of an actor that guy and I don't think he gets the recognition he deserves.
Since watching the film, the Oscars have taken place and Meryl won the coveted Academy award for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. She really is amazing, that woman.