hunger games (possible spoiler alert?)

first, i HAVE to see it again. why? because i thought it was brilliant? no (not that it's not brilliant). i just, no matter how much i try i will always be a lover of the book first (as i am with all book adaptions) and that alone makes me bias. it also doesn't help that i couldn't resist a re-read with the movie release here. so details were fresh in my mind.

my biggest qualm? the fashion! katniss' in particular.

i mean, it's a MOVIE! with designers and interpretation! but i'm sorta left with my jaw hanging open, wondering where interpretation and design got their signals crossed. the frump of the outfits katniss wore while in the capitol preparing for the games... really? a baggy, unflattering disappointment. i know she picked a t-shirt and pants out of all the clothes in the closet, but i guess in my head she just looked hotter, ha!

and then the interviews! her gem dress that sparkled in hues of red orange and blue turned out to be a cheap looking 90's red iridescent prom dress. i was sad, i wanted her to be stunning but all i could think about was, why?! who made this judgement call? even sequence would have been a huge improvement, and that's saying something from a girl who turns her nose to the stuff (no offense, lots of people can rock it!).

on the subject of the "interviews", peeta (i'm totally team peeta! btw) and his suit. his poor "i bought this off the rack at hot topic" suit. this was the best they could do? as far as their imaginations could take them? don't they know in order to do cienna justice, they have to capture his creations? oh crap... i totally went book nerd there. but i'm only sorta sorry for that, as i like being a picky geek about details (side note: if ever i had a career in the movie business, it would be in set design - my favorite details of anything i watch). where was i? oh yes, peeta's flamed suit. ew! that was exactly the word i saw in my head when he came on screen.

other than that, from book to screen, things get left out and added (was anyone else appalled that the words "spider monkey" came out of bella's mouth?!). but i truly didn't think the additions or cuts made a negative impact on the story line, which is probably what i was most anxious to find out. and now that i know i wasn't disappointed in the meat and potatoes of the movie, i have to see it again, for what it is. and not a comparison.

i'm also hoping to soak in more details... the gritty look and blurred panning shots made it a tad hard to be engulfed in the capitol's brightness and luxury. i didn't agree with the "look" of the film, but it was still enjoyable. that's my oxymoron for the day.

back to the theater! so i can fall in love with the movie.

p.s. thanks for the fun night out sharon! it was so good to see you!

henry joseph.

six whole years today. that's right, henry is 6! time sure does fly by so very fast.

birthdays are special days for me, they provoke reflection...

henry came into my life when he was just a wee little guy. look at the face! oh my goodness! *squishybabyface* he was just one & a half, and he stole my heart instantly. for the last four & a half years (best best years of my life) he's changed my world, shaped my world, and become my world. everyday growing my heart.

every. single. day.

i can't even begin to put into words the thankfulness inside me or express the absolute blessing it is to be his stepmama. but i am thankful, grateful, and happily blessed to know and love and nurture and help raise this little man. he is growing up right under my nose into a handsome, sweet, caring, witty boy. he is forever a part of me.

that's what love does. it grows and merges and blooms into family.

i love & adore my family. to the moon and back and farther still... to forever.

happiest birthday wishes to our pumpkin! missy & daddy love & cherish everyday of your two thousand one hundred ninety days on this earth and look forward to every day to come.

xoxo!