Posted by According to Larry David, the 19th of January is WAY past the time to say ‘Happy New Year’, but here we are.
January is a bit of a conundrum for me. There are a number of good things about it – new beginnings, new plans for the upcoming months, a fresh start or the opportunity to look at things with so-called fresh eyeballs. But, the month also brings a sense of urgency, realism, and time management, as in, if I want to get X, Y, and Z accomplished during the ’25 calendar year, I better have some tentative plans laid out ahead of time (because life will ultimately bring with it some poor timing, unfortunate circumstances, and heaven forbid, tragedy).
Case in point – three BIG events that I would have normally attended have either been canceled already or have dropped off the proverbial EVENT map. So, I’m now searching for shows to replace some of those “big” ones – and let me tell you, the scammers are out there!
Second case in point – As the deadline for my Beta Readers comes to a close (February 1st), I’ve had two (possibly three) people rescind their help. Yes, the reasons are absolutely spot-on and I don’t blame anyone one bit. BUT, it still stands that I will have fewer Betas this time around. Unforeseen circumstances and last minute issues. As indie authors, I’m sure we can all relate.
(Sue, is this just going to be a crab-fest post?)
LOL. Nope! Now, on to the groovy things slated for this year! In no particular order:
- Our HUGE store-like garage sale is happening in late Spring. After two years of falling through (for a variety of reasons), it will finally happen. This is a Very Good Thing because I’m literally at the point of “if it doesn’t happen THIS year, I’m just putting everything on the curb”. (lol…kind of)
- Our office/den is getting an upgrade! Charlie has been using a desk that doesn’t fit him ergonomically, so we purchased a new desk that will be coming in May/June. Because of this, I figured it was a good time to get new carpeting (ours currently has holes and rips). And while we are doing that, why not paint? 🙂
- Sometime this year, my third short story book will be out. In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 3 will be available sometime around May/June. That alone is cool. 🙂
- If all goes well (see worrying paragraph above!), we’re going back to Copenhagen and Norway (and possibly another place). Looking into the second half of September for that and HOPING that the world behaves itself enough to allow this to happen!
Two sides. Good and bad. Worrisome and glee-producing. Yin and Yang. All that makes up January.
Now, what the heck have we been watching?
Thelma (2024) – Thelma Post is a 93-year-old grandmother who loses $10,000 to a con artist on the phone. With help from a friend and his motorized scooter, she soon embarks on a treacherous journey across Los Angeles to reclaim what was taken from her. (Google) I was really hoping for a true-crime/real life dramatic re-enactment film, but instead we were handed a “Matlock” cozy-mystery that was more annoying and head-shaking than good. The premise was promising, as seniors are OFTEN the targets of scams, so who WOULDN’T want to see them get their $ back? But the actions taken by this lady (and her late-husband’s friend) are not only perilous, but full of disregard for her family. I simply could not get on board. I gave it a much-too-high score of 3.4, whereas Charlie gave it a proper 2.0.
The Lost Daughter (2021) – A college professor confronts her unsettling past after meeting a woman and her young daughter while on vacation in Italy. Her obsession with the woman and her daughter prompts memories of her early motherhood. (Google) A solid movie that leans heavily on regretful pasts, emotional turmoil, and painful relationships. The acting is very believable, although some of the choices that the characters made are questionable. No spoilers here, but not everything is ‘as it appears’… I gave it a 7.3 and I’m happy with that number.
Threads (1984) – Young lovers Ruth (Karen Meagher) and Jimmy (Reece Dinsdale) decide to get married after Ruth unexpectedly gets pregnant. But their quiet lives in Sheffield, England, are threatened when the Soviet Union and United States go to war. After a nuclear attack destroys a NATO base 20 miles from Sheffield, the town falls into chaos. Ruth and Jimmy are separated as the fallout spreads. Ruth must struggle to survive alone in the post-apocalyptic landscape. (Google) Britain’s answer to America’s film, “The Day After”. This harrowing hour and fifty-two minute nightmare pulls NO punches. I think I’ve posted about this one before, but it bears repeating (especially in 2025). It’s graphic and horrifying and probably accurate. If you haven’t seen this before, do so. This should be required viewing for every person alive. I gave it a 9.3 and Charlie came in at 8.0.
Okay, my computer (or connection) is acting a bit haywire so I’m going to close for now and post what I have. Next time, more films!
Happy NEW YEAR! 🙂
Sue Rovens 