What Day Is It?

Hmm, it’s been 10 days since my last entry and I’m trying to collect my thoughts as I write this entry.

I went to see the movie Silver Lining Playbook last week. I thought it was an intense movie in the very beginning so much so that I almost walked out of the theater. Cooper playing the part of Pat reminded me too much of my ex-brother-in-law. I got fidgety and uncomfortable and I really wanted to leave. But I stayed put and kept watching and the movie shifted when Lawrence character Tiffany stalks / jogs Pat. The humor started to emerge and the movie snuck up on me and won me over. DeNiro is fantastic as Pat’s dad. I know Jennifer Lawrence is the new “IT” girl because of the Hunger Games movies and I told someone recently that she struck me as a flat character actress. But I was reminded that she was amazing as Ree in Winter’s Bone. A little indie movie that came out a couple of years ago. Silver Lining Playbook a decent movie and I’m glad people are checking it out now that there’s so much Oscar buzz.

Let’s see my latest music obsession is Pearl and the Beard. Little indie music group from Brooklyn. Their music is on perpetual play on my iPod. I picked up both their albums, Killing Their Darlings (2011) and God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson (2009). I love, love, love this group and I’m attaching Voice in My Throat to this entry. More people need to know about them because they are too fantastic to miss. Lovely music.
Lastly, work on the novel is still moving along. I find myself fighting to go back and make major revisions. I’m just trying to reach the end at this point. I’m closer than I was yesterday.
Best,
Lily~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2013 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Make Good Art

Neil Gaiman gave a commencement speech back in May 2012 and I just listened to it in its entirety and I want to share it with all my creative friends out there. I love Gaiman’s writing, graphic novels, children’s books, etc, etc. In fact, I scare my small nieces with his Wolves in the Wall book…they love to be frightened. My sister hates me just a little for it because then she’s dealing with them waking up in the middle of the night with nightmares. Teehee. Auntie Lily is a bit naughty. Anyway, thought it would be a good inspirational piece for anyone who is having doubts about their creative life.  May this light a fire in your belly. 
Peace,
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2013 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Les Misérables

I went to see Les Misérables last night and I bawled my eyes out through 2/3rds of that movie. Anne Hathaway emoted such despair that I could hardly breathe through “I Dreamed a Dream.” Hugh Jackman as Valjean was raw and heartbreaking singing “What Have I Done.” And then Eddie Redmayne as Marius singing “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” left me weeping into my tissue. Those songs were the highlights for me in this film. There were others of course but rather than list all the songs I thought I’d mention my favorites. Russell Crow was decent when he sang his songs on his own but harmonies he could not do…good try but singing opposite Jackman is no easy feat. At the end of the film, I was emotionally wiped out. I woke up with my eyes swollen and red from all the tears I shed during this movie, I looked like a bloated frog. I love being swept up and carried away by a musical in that way. It also shows me that the climax of my book needs to have more emotional investment. Right now it reads too bland. Too “eh.” It’s missing a beating heart and watching that movie last night reminded me of that fact. I think I’m going to buy the soundtrack and write the ending to my book while listening to it. Perhaps it will inspire a more glorious ending. * sigh *

OH MY GOSH-I completely forgot to mention Samantha Barks as Eponine singing "On My Own." I loved, loved, loved her rendition of the song.  :-)
Peace,

L~
All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2013 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.