In the Stillness...

I gave a day of post-Christmas stillness, and poetry to myself today.

I ate Eggplant Kasaundi and squishy white cheese with toast and put my feet up...

I reflected upon the beautiful film Bright Star - which I saw on Boxing Day evening. Directed by a woman and co-staring an Australian. One of the most wonderful films I've ever seen!

And to learn more about John Keats - whose short life yielded so much heart felt, romantic poetry. I rather found myself determined to, before my life ends, compile a book of my own poetry...

I will let it be just one. From early, innocent verses, through youth, and on towards wisdom, where grace truly comes into your life, and you're even happier than you were, when you were innocent - because now you understand the time and the journey and the pain and the peace.

Yes friends, I feel dreamy and inspired... Like I could conquer everything with just the right poetic verse... Or perhaps I have been inside my book of verses too long! Like the line from Persuasion - when Anne questions a friend if too much poetry "is quite safe!" That might be it..!

I am rambling! But I am enjoying exciting myself with the possibilities that new year will bring, and I need to list my hopes and creative plans for the next chapter to share with you - and for you to share with me the lists that will help shape your 2010.

Yours in verse -

Shell xx

The Pursuit of Happyness

{title deliberately spelled incorrectly in tribute to the film}

I know this is not a new film, but while I came across it last night on free-to-air, as it drew me in and pulled on all of my heart strings, it was surely new to me.

The Pursuit of Happyness {which I'm sure you know about} is a film based around the formative trials in the life of Chris Gardner. It deals with a single parent who is devoted to his very young son, striving to provide a prosperous lifestyle for them both out of nothing but raw talent, and pure determination. If you have not seen it, then do. I won't spoil the story line except to say that it is painful, and wonderful all at once...

It's the sort of emotional content I try so often to avoid - I seem to have no 'backbone' when it comes to movies - if something is upsetting I get too sensitive about it, and have been known to cry on and off for days afterwards. But sometimes you need to see a film like this. Sometimes we must be reminded of how lucky we are, those that are safe in their homes, with somewhere warm to sleep tonight.

I did some reading about Chris Gardner today and I am such a fan of his spirit. I am this day enraptured by a human with so much passion. All day I have been inspired and emotional, so I took this passion into my recording studio and laid down two songs in a row!

It's always amazing to me how hope filled stories can be found anywhere, anytime, and can speak to you so deeply in that moment when your heart is open. I think God can speak to you when you're in this place. I know I was spoken to after I watched The Pursuit if Happiness. And for it I am more humble, grateful, inspired and motivated to live my dreams, and serve my beloveds. From my safe, warm, blessed corner of the world tonight.

Shell xx