"...small things are the big things. The good things only happen from all the hundreds of tiny steps you take along the way."
- David (Tyler Hynes),"It was always you" (A Hallmark movie)
Can you keep a secret? I have a confession to make. Ah, uhm... I'm a Hallmark TV movies junkie! Shhh... don't tell. Haha...
Of course, I always appreciate beautifully produced full-length 'Oscar-worthy' cinematic films, especially those that are superbly directed and edited; and with excellent cinematography and musical scoring, too. Sometimes though, especially when I'm dealing with complex matters, mind-boggling films are simply not appealing. I just want to be entertained with some light, feel-good, wholesome, uncomplicated and family-oriented 'bite-size' movies that takes my mind away from complexities. And that's what Hallmark usually offers... and they have tons of movies to choose from, albeit formulaic and very predictable. In that pile of 'cookie cutter' movies, there are a good number that are worth watching and re-watching with deliberate plan to enjoy rather than just to mindlessly decompress.
While I 'seasonally' like sappy movies, I remain to be that 'tough little cookie' who wears that engineer's hat underneath the big Higher Education admin hat that's humbly decorated with a passionate teacher's tiny golden apples and a (wannabe) scientist's magnifying glass. There is always room for 'simple little things' that bring enormous joy in a world where people expect you to be constantly busy thinking deeply, critically and analytically. *eye roll* Haha... In fact, I make room for simple little things in my own life... no matter what! So, whenever time allows, and especially during holidays, my favorite thing to do is to curl up in the big chair in my bedroom with a bag of chips, a bowl of hot chunky salsa dip and a tumbler of soda... and go on a Hallmark movies marathon like there's no tomorrow! And when the situation chooses to be stingy with personal downtime, I wrestle it to make time!
I particularly love the heart-warming Christmas themed Hallmark TV movies that revolve around family and loved ones. I have soft spot for those that involved cute and smart kids, and/or pets, especially dogs. I love how Hallmark movies show that nuggets of beautiful lessons in life can be picked up from these movies without the disturbing images of violence, sex, and the lust for material things... or some 'so called documentary' of a royal family's lives from the perspective of one (supposedly) love-stricken 'royal' who refuses to grow up, tirelessly tries to invade everyone's universe while (supposedly) begging for privacy because wailing on media is so much easier and obviously more lucrative than doing actual work. *sigh* As to how one tries to heal from mental health issues by publicly humiliating and inflicting pain to one's own family members - incredibly mean and hypocritical, and I imagine, effectively burns all bridges - is terribly confusing for me. But I digress... back to wholesome Hallmark movies! Haha... I know, I'm too 'old-fashioned'... but I do enjoy the peace of mind that being 'old-fashioned' brings. So, old-fashioned is good for me.
I have many Hallmark TV movie favorites. Some are really old, and mostly the inspiring and tear-jerker kind... and I've watched them like five times each! And I cried each time! Hahaha... I do have one relatively newer fave that came out in 2021 - "It was always you". It stars the fabulous Hallmark 'heavy weight', Erin Krakow (Elizabeth, or Lizzy), and the always-fascinating, Tyler Hynes (the globe-trotting David). With two of the most reliable crowd-drawer stars of Hallmark collaborating, I knew it's going to be great. And, nope, they did not disappoint because, as usual, they both did a beautiful job!
Erin made Elizabeth to be this funnily conflicted highly organized predictable dentist who has a deeply guarded 'adventurous side' that wants to explore the world. Her predictable Elizabeth side fits well with George (David's eldest brother who is a dentist, too), a childhood friend with whom she was engaged. Her adventurous Lizzy side, which is the one she really prefers and what makes most of herself, fits with a 'zing' with David - another childhood friend with whom she had a 'cat-dog' relationship since they were kids. A bridge mishap that cut-off George from their island town left Elizabeth to be stuck with David to tick-off her wedding plans checklist. Their new-found closeness empowered Elizabeth to muster the courage to let her true self come to the surface, and to be true to the desires of her heart.
To make the not-so-long a story short, Elizabeth broke off her engagement with George, and set out to fulfill a childhood dream to travel the world with the hope of 'rediscovering herself' and finding out what she truly wanted, one tiny step at a time, before following a meticulously 'planned' life that strictly adheres to checklists and stern focus on her dentistry practice just like George. She came back home, resolved to follow her heart, and that led her, one tiny step at a time, to David.
It turned out that David has been pining for Elizabeth since the day he discovered her written travel wishes and lists in between the pages of a travel book in his family library when they were 13 years old. It was this that inspired his globe-trotting adventures later. He then wrote a note for Elizabeth, expressing his affection for her, and his hope to travel with her to the places that she wished to see. He put the note between the pages of another travel book. He hoped she'd find it but Elizabeth never did until he showed her much later when they met again upon her return from her one-year travels. Romance bloomed... you know the rest.
This made David's family happy as they saw from the very beginning the 'zing' between Elizabeth and David even in their teenage days when they can't seem to get along. On the other hand, George discovered 'zing' with a co-worker that he always had a soft spot for because of shared values and passion for their profession.
Tyler's David was hilarious, adorable... and extremely charming even when he tries to be annoying. He has that effortless good looks and easy acting talent - so relaxed and natural - to pull off the combination of adjectives that befit a perfect Hallmark romcom hero, too. I like Tyler a lot. I love the characters he played in every Hallmark movie that I saw him portray. Five of the more recent ones are his remarkable team up with Lacey Chabert in "Winter in Vail" and "Sweet Carolina", the very deliciously emotional "Time for him to come home for Christmas", and the hilarious "An Unexpected Christmas" and "Three wise men and a baby". He has such a commanding presence on screen. He either appears to have that man's man aura about him that positively fits every damsel-in-distress' vision of a knight-in-shinning-armor, a moody and distant fellow but with a heart of gold appeal, or simply, that guy that treats a woman as his equal and challenges her to discover her many strengths in a no-nonsense, humorous and supportive way without being patronizing.
Erin's own engaging acting talents and picture-perfect cuteness fit so well with Tyler's. She has grown so well to be that highly effective actress - from lots of practice in "When Calls the Heart" for sure. She can be funny, awful, funnily awful, moving, the sweetest thing... she's just captivating.
Tyler and Erin's acting timing together was always perfect in this movie, and with just the right amount of seriousness, humor and, of course, romance. It's so adorable how they banter relentlessly only to warm up to each other, one tiny step at a time, in the end - everytime. Their screen chemistry is fantastic, too. They didn't have to try hard to make falling in love with each other so believable. And the gorgeous location of the movie adds to the sweet atmosphere that's made for falling in love. In the end, I was fretting that the movie was too short!
So, if you are looking for uncomplicated entertainment that makes you laugh, teary-eyed... and can provide you with your fix of falling giggly in love, this movie is highly recommended. You'll find yourself 'grinning that silly grin' without knowing it - promise. Go for it!
"...you can't force 'zing', and you can't deny it when it's there..."
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Image credit: All photos featured in this post were screenshots from watching the featured Hallmark movie. Thanks, Hallmark.
Video credit: The video featured in this post belongs to Hallmark Channel. Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 25, 2016
It's really good that someone of 'royal stature' like Prince Harry (and even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) are not afraid to speak about about mental health, and how their own mental health is also vulnerable to being compromised by untoward experiences - like all of us. It is excellent that, with Prince Harry's 'princely crusade on mental health, there is now greater awareness and interest in it because this is one aspect of human health that is often neglected, and even ignored altogether. And this is odd because, in many cases, crippling physical pains can be manifestations of poor mental health. These days, we have students who were star students in High School, and they go through College showing less than stellar performance. And, it makes me wonder all the time why this is. You ask them about it, and they just give you a shrug of disinterest... or avoid the question altogether. They suffer silently... and their performance in the University is
On his mother's death, H said, "you know, I really regret not ever talking about it."
compromised, when they should be having the time of their lives, transitioning from kids with big dreams to responsible and capable adults - well-shaped by their education. They shy away from talking about their ordeals, allowing these to gnaw at their minds, and their mental health suffers... their insecurities taking up a great space in their minds, and the little part that's free from insecurities are used in figuring out ways to dodge situations that would expose their insecurities. Their whole mental energy is exhausted by this fruitless cycle. With their mental health compromised, they fail to progress in their studies... and their insecurities grow even bigger and more crippling. In the end, their personalities are altered - for the worst, and their future, adversely affected. The failure just keeps mounting, one on top of another. Sometimes though, I ask myself, was that their failure... or ours? It's great that Prince Harry lends his royal star power to shed light on this issue... encourage young and old people alike to come out of their shell and speak up, speak out... talk about their issues, and unload their minds from their troubles. Free their minds from the weight of fear of being judged, self-doubt and uncertainties; allow their minds to breathe and gain health... in order for the cloud to lift, and for them to have a clear vision of themselves in the future, and allow this vision to guide them as they move forward... enjoying life, as they do! Aaww, H, you're such a true princely hero! :) *** Photocredit: The photos were grabbed from the BBC video - thanks. Also, embedded is the tweet from @KensingtonRoyal - thanks. ***
I had to borrow this photo of Prince Harry from the official Instagram account of Kensington Palace. There is something beautifully haunting and refreshing about this photo of H hugging a sedated elephant during his three-month trip to Africa on wildlife conservation mission. He was lamenting how "30,000 elephants we slaughtered last year alone" for their tusks. With the photo above, he expressed his protest about how wildlife has been suffering to extinction because of unscrupulous practices... "a pointless waste of beauty," he says. There is honesty in it, much emotion and some sense of serenity being one with the 'big boy' of the wildlife. Of course, the artistry in the way the photo was envisioned and executed is just wonderful. I thought the moment needs to be preserved in this on-line repository of mine. So, here it is!
So, now you know why I am sooooo looking forward to... retirement! :) So much to look forward to, I can't wait!
***
Photo credit: The photo belongs to Prince Harry, posted on the Kensington Palace official Instagram account on 2 December 2015. Thanks for the loan of the photo.
...it's all about lessons in teamwork. ====================================================================== by PAM
"What a kick! "Beautiful, beautiful Rugby from New Zealand."
"It's New Zealand's! And it's history - confirmed. "The All Blacks, still the kings of World Rugby."
It's been a while since I had an adrenaline rush from an exciting sports match. In fact, I'm beginning to feel kinda 'lifeless' these days... just surviving on high dosage of 'excitement at work' - if there's such a thing, that is - which leaves me 'comatose' from exhaustion after the adrenaline rush subsided... because that's what work does. I did see 'this and that' sporting event lately... and they kinda drew some flat "woohoo" from me... just because the inspiration was short on spirited runs, and bereft of deep interest on my part admittedly.
Highlights from the Rugby World Cup 2015 final match between NZ All Blacks and Aussie Wallabies via Fox Sports 2.
Anyway, you get the picture... I've been living a 'boring' life - no time to appreciate other forms of excitement outside the suffocating confines of huge responsibility and imposing challenges that come with the 'territory' conquered at work with my brilliant team.
I never thought that I'd get a good slamming dose of excitement from the Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015) final match between New Zealand's All Blacks and Australia's Wallabies... just a while ago. Boy, that was a burgeoning dose of pure adrenaline right there! NZ's All Blacks routed the Wallabies, 34-17, to retain the Webb Ellis Cup, which they collected in 2011, making NZ the first country to retain the Cup, and the first country to become World Champion three times. What a match indeed! And, I cannot thank Prince Harry of Wales enough for introducing me to this 'passion' of his. :) Yes, the Prince sort of introduced the game to me - indirectly, that is (I'm not that lucky!)... through press releases from the Kensington Palace on Twitter. :) Gosh, but of course, I wish I knew the Prince personally just because he seems humorous, compassionate, and real. But that's another topic for a post... if I'd get lucky enough to find the time for it, that is. :) After seeing a bit of matches in the Group Stage of RWC 2015, and those quarter final matches between Australia and Scotland, New Zealand and France, and South Africa and Wales, I was hooked! I had to go on-line and educate myself with the rules of the game... and, I admit, it wasn't easy. I'm still struggling to understand the rules... and getting used to terms like "scrum", "ruck", and what have you. But what I am certain of is the way the players in the attacking side strategize to set one of them to go for a try, and the way the opposing team set up to stop the other side is absolutely beautiful to watch! And, I thought you only get to be fascinated by brilliant team tactics in football (soccer). I was wrong. Rugby is the real deal, too! It's a wonderful balance of intelligent team strategy, physicality with a huge dose of roughness, and fun. Love it! With the exception of tennis, I've always preferred team sports over individual sports. I like the interaction among players in a team. I love watching the way a number of individuals move in an invisible woven fabric of harmonious rhythm, moving as one, thinking as one, eyes fixed on a common goal, moving forward like one body... and then celebrating triumphantly after reaching their goal. I believe that is called 'Teamwork'... and the victory always seems sweeter when shared with teammates. I cannot help but feel the adrenaline rush that propel the team to move forward, and feel the excitement of winning. Teamwork in team sports inspires me as a leader. Great coaches like Pep Guardiola challenge me to think outside the box, to recognize talents in my team and figure out a
The best Team emerged victorious... NZ's All Blacks!
way to optimize their talents to work for the benefit of the team. And great teams, like FC Barcelona - 'more than a club' - inspire me to view winning differently... not for personal glory and achieving personal ambition, but making a difference in people's lives with achievements that are pleasing to God. One wise person always tells me that there is "no OJT for leadership, it's either you've got it or you don't". In response, I always tell him, "yeah, but there's football, and all sorts of team sports that a leader could watch... to inspire teamwork, to learn coaching that brings out the best in every individual in the team, to come up with inspired team strategy... and succeed - as a team." And I believe that with all my heart. Today, the 'beautiful men' in All Blacks affirmed these. There were brilliant individual performances, but they all contributed to the Team's goal. In the end, it's not about the brilliant man with the nerves of steel, Dan Carter, or the legendary captain, Richie McCaw, or the ferocious Ma'a Nonu, or anyone else... it's all about New Zealand... it's all about All Blacks... and it's all about the love and passion for Rugby. And, what a great fun it all is for the fans of the game! Huge CONGRATS to All Blacks! And, hey, the Wallabies were worthy championship contenders, too. So, congrats to them , too! And, huge congrats to England for hosting a really exciting tournament! And since the adrenaline surge refuses to subside, why don't we soak it up? So, here they are again....
"We got the job done tonight, so it's great." "He gets this chance to do something now that nobody else has done: to hold on to a second World Cup, a third Cup - for his nation."
*** Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video links. Photo credits: (1) I took all the photos from the live cablecast of Fox Sports 2 - thanks. (2) Thanks, Rex photo via www.telegraph.co.uk. ***
...to get going. ============================================================ by PAM I spent a few hours today just staring at the ceiling, reading some, and writing a bit... just looking for inspiration... a little reason to keep doing what I currently do. And then, I thought of YouTube... why not? They have plenty of "inspirational stuff" on YouTube, have't they? And, I found this...
"It makes me more determined than ever that this wonderful,
awe-inspiring children should have happier and healthier lives.
And I hope that my mother would be proud, too.
"I'd like to think I'm just one of the lads, whether am or not."
...and, oddly enough, my inspiration wires went a bit tingling in a beautifully sweet buzz. Yeah, I'm all shallow like that... but what else is new, right? :)
I know, I'm more than a year late to be greeting Prince Harry on his 30th birthday, but I'm really amazed to see that "the spare" has grown to become this really lovely man, grown to be his own man. The "wild child" has grown to this disarmingly charming man who invokes raw emotion from people, and inspires them to do what they do with real passion and joy... no regrets, no reservation for as long as what they feel in doing what they do is real, welling from love and deep caring. And then, quite automatically, this attitude leads to living a truly meaningful life. Happy belated 30th birthday, H!
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
