Ordinary People

Because, like Dead Poet’s Society, this understated, ’80s-style movie packs quite a punch (emotionally speaking).

Because Timothy Hutton, Donald Sutherland, Judd Hirsch, and Mary Tyler Moore are star performers in their respective roles.

Because you feel for them (except for Moore as the mom), and feel with them (except the mom), and cry with them (except the mom), more than you probably should since it’s fictional. Then again, maybe not, since it’s a very real reflection of real life events and consequences.

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Happyface

Happyface by Stephen Emond

Because, yes, it’s a young adult novel with sketches strewn throughout, but gosh-darn-it, it made me pause.

Because I stayed up late to finish reading it.

Because the protagonist is never named and is the only character drawn stick-figurish and I thought that was cool.

Because it made me want to write.

Because of the tone of the book.

Because it went from cute book to powerful and it was a great read during both parts.

The Chinese Garden

There’s a slight breeze in the air, the temperature one degree below perfect, with no hint of humidity. I’m sitting in the Chinese garden, listening to Zen music which isn’t playing, and writing like I haven’t written in a long time. Across from me, my sister, Annie, scratches away as well. Around me stone bridges arch across a placid, green-colored lake. Koi fish and small turtles swim lazily beneath the surface, while a few ducks float about up top. I sit cross-legged on a low ledge, bent over, writing as fast as my pen will go, needing to get my memories of this trip down on paper, needing to see them take shape with letters and words, and basking in the release it brings. I haven’t felt this inspired in quite some time.

“What are you writing?”

I emerge from my thoughts to find a young girl by my side. She looks to be about eight years old. Long blonde hair, streaked with highlights, hangs loose around her shoulders in uncombed locks. She’s wearing a tank top with spaghetti straps and short shorts.