Teased...

...by buona vecchia Italia, la bella.
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by PAM

Come to think of it, "good old" sounds just about right to describe Italia. It's good, it's old - ancient even, and it's unbelievably beautiful!  La bella, indeed!  Naturally, just the thought of it inspires musings and everything else that feels good, soulful and beautiful.

The New York Times on-line article, "The Hidden Treasures in Italian Libraries", has got me gasping for dear life itself.  My heart felt thoroughly 'teased', it was beating double time.  No, it wasn't a fatal experience. It was a blissful one, actually.  It took me, with vividness of imagination, to another place... Italy, naturally.  I felt like something around

A little memento, a world of memory. 

me broke into a powerful operatic singing and those melodic murmurs in Italian from love-struck men and women, admiring the opera.  It was February in Italy all over again for me... and it teases the imagination.  Oy!  

As if the whole 'teasing conspiracy' was not enough, I found a little memento from the warm and beautiful Firenze, lying around my bedroom. It was a little souvenir mug that I have unwittingly forgotten about. I was deciding where to put it.  Obviously, I was unable to make the hard decision and left the little memento in a temporary location, still all wrapped up in a white "souvenir shoppy" paper.  Just when I was sighing, closing my eyes, imagining how the Italian libraries described in the article looked like, I opened my eyes to the little memento... and it simply took my breath away!

These things... these little things, surprising things, seemingly insignificant things, but the ones that make you smile a heartfelt smile... they make life so beautiful, so worth living for.  See?  God is not fair!  Just when you're about the glare at Him for all the curve ball He throws your way, He surprises you with these little gifts... that teases the imagination, reminding you how lucky you are to have been experiencing so many wonderful things.  And, the mere realization brings you to your 'happy place'.  Then you're faith is renewed once again... God is good.  And, yes, life is, indeed, beautiful!  Che bello! 😊 

***
About the photo:  A miniature mug, a memento from from Florence, Italy.     

***

Sunday morning music...

...just because this morning deserves to be sung about.
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by PAM

I dislike traveling... uhm, that is, if it is for 'straight-up' work and that's all!  I find it hard to be mixing something that I am passionate about - traveling, and learning through traveling, in this case - with something that I usually 'just' do for the sake of keeping the peace in the workplace.  Of course, I love what I do in my profession... it's just that, there are things that I'd rather not do sometimes because they drove me to boredom 💤, but I do them, anyway, in the spirit of teamwork for as long as they do not oppose my personal principles and my faith. I guess it's up to me to find a way to make the most of the experience.    

I've been away for a few days - traveling for work... in Higher Education.  The place I went to was very fascinating, and the conference I attended was truly relevant and necessary to achieve inclusive progress in the Asia-Pacific Region. 😮 I feel blessed to have met a number of wonderful people in this specific development area in Higher Education, and made a number of friends, too. 😇 Therefore, it was a productive trip - but mostly, 'workwise', that is.  There were moments when I looked out from the window and wished I had time to explore the incredible surroundings... on my own, or with a kindred spirit.  It was one of those trips that was mostly sponsored by an International Development Agency, partly by my Institution... and partly by myself.  It's unavoidable to be spending your own funds to carry out development 'missions' in this profession.  And yet, it's nothing compared with what the International Agency and, therefore, the citizens of the world, spent to make this event possible.  

So, every minute of every day was all about work... they exhaust you to your wits' end from the moment you emerge from that tube that connects the plane that flew you to the foreign place and your arrival gate at the airport until the time you take your seat in the plane that will bring you back home.  Oh, oh, oh... not to mention the few days before your trip as well when you ran around like mad in preparation for your trip while doing your usual (and 'unusual') stuff in the workplace... because some Institutions forget that we are 'only human'.  And then, you cringe at the expectations and the work that awaits after the event, too.  *sigh*  And yet, like a brave 'soldier', you do it... you go with it, you work hard to make the whole 'gig' successful... because, at the end of the day, you know that this is truly a worthwhile undertaking.  It's for greater good... and you're just happy that you're contributing something, no matter how small. And you do your best to check out your foreign surroundings no matter how exhausted you felt so you can look the travel bug in you in the mirror and say, "hey, I didn't totally ignore your wish, girl."

And yet, the whole thing makes you miss home no matter what...

🎶 "Another aeroplane, another sunny place

I'm lucky, I know

But I wanna go home...."🎵

It's a good thing that there are thoughtful artists in this world who truly can relate with their audience.  They use their artistic platforms to reach out, and say, 'we hear ya'.  You know what, we hear them as well... and we do listen in true delight as we allow them to coax us to withdraw a bit into that 'tent in the rain' that they so generously pitched for us and connect with our inner melancholy, drown in the beauty of it all... as they take us 'Home'.  I'm lucky to have found the video above when I most needed it... finding my way home this early Sunday morning. Just in time to celebrate Father's Day with my father.  

So, yes, it is Sunday morning music for me!  It is, indeed, rare treat to see together three great artists, such as the legendary pop songwriter, David Foster, and Michael Bublé and Blake Shelton, collaborating in one song.  The result is so utterly beautiful!  Ah, bliss!

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

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Philippine Independence Day 2017

Happy Independence Day, Pilipinas kong mahal!

Nine years, a decade, and a century of national 'independence'... won from our national heroes' sacrifices - amazing!  It is, indeed, a source of national pride. 

And yet, here we are, after 119 years, we are still taking those 'baby steps' towards true 'independence', mostly from our own enslaving lack of national pride, utter selfishness and self-serving brand of leadership, and absence of love for our national identity.  Many of our leaders represent us in the international arena with utter lack of dignity and shame - in words and in hysterical temperament.  They claim that that's just the way they are... which is fair, and yet, aren't they supposed to take care of our collective pride as a nation by representing our dear country with dignity?  Don't they realize that the world's view of our leaders is the very same way our entire Filipino population is viewed?  Is restraint in hysterical speech too difficult to achieve?  It is true that it's not what one says that matters the most, it's what one actually does as a leader that defines one's leadership.  And yet, in this day and age of 'extreme freedom' of expression aided by irresponsible, abusive and unscrupulous use of social media, any good intention can be twisted until the Truth is no longer recognizable, especially by those who are too lazy to use their intellectual faculties to discern the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  And when the truth is lost in the chaotic and self-serving interpretations of 'freedom of expression', then misunderstanding ensues.  When this is not abated soon enough, it could lead to unrest, and escalates to violence.  We don't have to wait for any of these to happen.  We can soothe and heal wounds by being diplomatic, honest, truthful and respectful in our language when we relate with others.   

Our national heroes offered their lives to secure our independence, that we may enjoy the blessings of our incumbent rights as human beings.  And yet, we are squandering their gift of independence by enjoying our rights while consciously neglecting the responsibilities that go with them.  Civilization and sustained progress can only come when we learn how to enjoy our rights while being mindful of our responsibilities, and doing our best to always be considerate of others, respectful of others, and sincerely caring for others.  After all, as our very own, Jamie Rivera, famously sang, "we are all God's children".  We may not agree as to God's name... and yet, we all (most of us, anyway) believe in an Almighty One that stands above all of us... and that the Almighty One loves us all equally, and wishes the very best for all of us.  Therefore, why can't we wish the same for one another?

God and our heroes have done their part.  They have handed us this gift of "independence", not without tremendous sacrifice.  Now, we are responsible in taking care of it, making it flourish to our advantage, and to the advantage of those who will be coming after us.  

Indeed, now, we are 'independent' for no reason... unless we can 'invent' one.  It's all up to us.

***

Image credit:  Thanks, Google, for the loan of today's 'doodle'.

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Saturday photo

'Team Engineering'

It's been an incredibly productive two-and-half days... full of excellent ideas expressed without reservation, in full honesty, with pure love for our dear Institution and for one another, in all the lightness of humor that brightens up the mood at all times... all ensconced in one Vision.  I believe that's what being a 'Team' is all about.  Simply fascinating! 😲

I thank God for the privilege of leading such a Team. 🙏  I may not have done enough good things in my life to deserve this, and it will always be a mystery to me why I was chosen by God to receive this 'gift'.  Still, I accept the responsibility that goes with it as I have done in the past... and, as always, I commit myself to our wonderful 'Mission'... although, I cannot guarantee that I won't be irritated by 'this and that' issue every now and then.   

Perhaps, I need to keep reminding myself that maybe I deserve to enjoy the moment, too.  After all, I worked hard and sacrificed a whole lot to put together this incredible Team, and to help achieve what it has so impressively achieved in so short a time, considering the humongous challenges that we had to confront when we started. 😩🙌 Yes... perhaps, I need to own those, too... perhaps, it's the best way of expressing appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to God.  I guess, I am just too conscious of what St. Thomas Aquinas said that it is "better to illuminate than merely to shine".  So, I am more interested in making sure that what we do leaves a lasting and positive impact to our stakeholders than claiming 'glory' and receiving awards for our accomplishments.  In the end, it's all about pleasing the One who gave this gift, and safeguarding the integrity of the gift rather than basking in the shining glory of it all.  Anyway, no award in the world is commensurate to the feeling that comes in knowing that we have done our very best... and we have made a difference in the lives of many, and not just our own, in the process!

'Team Engineering' - it's my Team! 😎

***

About the photo:  Taken during the three-day Planning Workshop of the 'extended' Execom of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas in Green Canyon Eco Art Resort at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines.

***   

Sunday foodie

A little sweetness from Italy...
...to wash away the bitter taste of peace and order situation in Southern Philippines.

I was inspired by this on-line post on NY Times, "My Rome: Still a classic beauty", to reminisce about Italy.  I know it's only been a few months - four months to be exact, since my visit to Italy.  The memories should be quite fresh. Therefore, 'reminisce' may not be the most suitable word to describe the longing that I feel, just thinking about the places and the wonderful people that I met there... not to mention the food! 😋 

'Classic beauty'... how very appropriate, how very true though.  Having seen three other places besides Rome, I imagine that applies to most places in Italy.  I wish very much to go back.  I wish it's as simple as closing my eyes, and opening them in the middle of Rome.  And yet, my heart is glued to Manila as news on the Resort World Manila incident continue to unfold, and the peace and order situation in Marawi, Mindanao remains precarious.  Sometimes, I wonder, what are we, actually, fighting about?  I understand that there are many annoying things happening around us, and there are many annoying,

even infuriating, people that usually challenge our patience but, certainly, there are more wonderful and beautiful things to celebrate about - as one global community.  Can we not just concentrate on the latter?  Surely, it's easier.

One such 'wonderful' thing is this featured chocolate in this post, which is the cremino pistacchio cubes of Venchi.  It is a three-layer treat comprised of a layer of milk pistachio gianduja between two layers of white pistachio gianduja.  It is made in accordance with the traditional Piedmont chocolate making where hazelnut paste (gianduja) makes up roughly a third of the confection.  It tastes heavenly and it provides that silky sensation in the mouth that definitely enhances the experience of indulging one's chocolate craving.  It's soft enough to melt in the mouth yet firm enough for a clean bite.  So good, indeed! 😋

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Photo:  A photo of cremino pistacchio by Venchi, which I bought in a Venchi store in Bologna, Italy during my visit in January-February 2017.

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Saturday photo

A candy for the eyes and the imagination...
...'so close, and yet so far'.

What?  

Has it been a full week now since my last post?  Hmm... what can I say, I'm getting better at this, ain't I? 😛 Used to take a full couple of months in between posts for me since... uhm, four years ago?  Has it been that long now?  Yep, four years ago when there was ample time to express one's self... four years ago when there was work-life balance. Hmm... feels like forever! 😣 

Speaking of work-life balance, I was really excited when I was called to a Planning-Workshop with peers.  No, I'm not a sucker for this sort of things... of course not, hello!  Every single second in my workplace is a 'planning-workshop' of sorts + action all at once. So, I do have my daily fix of this gig just because my workplace is all that challenging... and I do have a brilliant Team that makes the whole scene thoroughly delightful.  So, a very 'structured' gig is not really my cup of tea.  It's just that the venue was out-of-town, about three-hour drive from the City.  It was a lovely beach resort that I haven't seen in about twenty years.  I 'googled' it, and it wasn't anything I remembered from twenty years ago.  It was much more beautiful now, and that got me all excited!  😊

So, I joined the activity in good spirit... only to feel my excitement deflating and going south every second of the three-day gig.  I never even saw the sunset, and never got to dip my feet in the beach... just because we worked from 7:30 a.m. (yeah, even eating breakfast felt like 'a lot of work') to 8:00 p.m. (yep, dinner felt like work, too).  In the evening, I felt exhausted and brain-dead, that I just wanted to curl in bed and drown my 'sorrows' in music. 😫 Yeah, that definitely made me feel like a 'boring, buttoned-up principal' from the 'old school' rather than an 'innovative engineer' around really cool buddies who think outside-the-box and knew how to have fun... while hard at work.  

Well, I guess, there is a variety of things that make a variety of people tick.  Therefore, no point in bringing 'em together and insist on singular thought process... and still expect 'em to get many things done?  That is either 'brave' or 'naive'. 😐  To be fair, I don't really know what the 'formula' is, and I'm sure people tried so hard to be productive.  What I do know is that this particular formula does not work... not for me, anyway.  What can I say, the 'I-got-this-so-let-me-be' detached nature of millennials has caught up on me?  Then again, that's just me... and I'm not all that perfect.  So, I guess I'm the 'odd' one.  And yet, I feel like coaxing people to, "come on, now... it's the 21st century.  Outta the box now... it's really nice out here!  Come and see!" 😃

I'm probably just being cynical, sorry... so don't mind me.

***
What I think

But, I think I know what happened there.  Someone was trying so hard to express their gratitude and affection to a squad that they built with blood, sweat, tears and a decade worth of energy, but were 'forced' by obstinate circumstances to leave behind their squad... just when the squad needed them the most.  Like the great 'general' that the squad leader is, the 'general' wanted to prepare the 'captains' to a fierce battle ahead.  More than that, the 'general' probably wanted to have the squad all for itself for a few days to assure them that they are ready for the battle, too... and to just bond, just share a heap of laughter over just-all-fun conversations.  But administrative 'facilities' do not allow even 'generals' to do this, so our 'general' opted for good ol' Planning-Workshop.  I think that all everyone in that Planning-Workshop really wanted to do was to just bond with the 'general', too!  'Cause ya know, there can't be a kick-ass captain without a kick-ass general!  Then again, in the first place... a 'squad' is not the same as a 'Team', y'see.  If you ask me, I prefer Team.  I do have one in my own workplace, and it's awesome!  So yeah, Punta Fuego was a classic case of 'the right people with the right feelings but in a mismatched circumstance'! 

The featured photo was one of the ONLY TWO photos I've taken in the three-day gig... and I'm a sucker for photos of beautiful sceneries!  Somehow, the beautiful sceneries were not enough to inspire creative juices to flow.  What a shame!  My fault entirely, I must admit... although I did enjoy a 30-minute dip in the infinity pool. And even that, did not inspire 'proper documentation' through photos.  But, yeah, there were two or three (maybe four, even five, actually) kindred spirits that made the whole 'ordeal' bearable though, God bless them! 😇

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What I wish

Do you know what's fun?  Well, it's the Graham Norton Show!  That episode with Dan Stevens after Matthew Crawley's demise in Downton Abbey was hilarious (well, most parts, anyway), so was that episode with Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne and Bryan Cranston; and that episode with Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy.  But this here (below) is, I believe, one of the very best episodes.  You're welcome!  😎

    Graham to Hugh: "It's an odd look for a man, but you carried it off."

    Hugh to Graham:  "...so, I brought my favorite wooly jumper, but not my red 'lippy',
                                which I left at home."

    Bill: "Lippy?" (laughter)

    Hugh to Bill : "Yeah, 'lippy', what's that mean in America?"

    Bill to Hugh:  "I dunno!" (laughter)

    Matt to Graham: "I think that the key to my performance (in "Behind the Candelabra")
                              is I borrowed Hugh's 'lippy'."
    Graham to Matt:  "It gets around."
    Matt to Graham:  "And I was actually asked to wear wooly jumper in every single scene."

    Hugh to Graham: (sounding disgruntled) "How many guests have walked out of the show?"

Maaan, comedic banter at its best... such good time, indeed!  See, Punta Fuego could've been this fun! 😎😊

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About the photo:  Taken from the reception hall of the lovely Club Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. 

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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Saturday photo

"Put 'em in the wash.  They'll be grand."

I have been wondering about Ireland, dreaming a bit about Ireland... and how I gave up an opportunity to live there for at least a couple of years to... well, to respond to a 'loud call'.  

I chanced upon this 2010 film, "Leap Year", on YouTube, which involved Ireland.  It really had very little to offer, aside from the beautiful Irish countryside that served as a backdrop in almost the whole film.  Just the same, it was a really cute rom-com... most of it was because of the excellent performances of the very talented Amy Adams (Anna Brady from Boston), who happens to be one my favorite actresses, and that 'beautiful Brit', Matthew Goode (Declan O'Callaghan from Dingle, Ireland).  Of course, their characters started out on wrong foot, clashing like two wrecking balls in the beginning (don't they always?)... but Adams and Goode are so good they didn't really overdo it.  Therefore, Anna and Declan's conflicting personalities: Miss Organized-even-in-romance and Mr. Romantic-actually-but-cheated-on-before-therefore-skeptical-of-love, around which the movie revolved didn't come across too much as tired-and-old corny story, etc., etc.  

Somehow, Adams's tenacity in acting and Goode's cool take on Declan found a way to bring some freshness to an age-old plot, that it felt worthwhile to be taking some 100 minutes from my rare "me time" to watch the film.  I particularly loved the expression on Anna's face when, after leaving Declan who fell asleep on a bench while waiting for her bus to Dublin, to get coffee and bus tickets for the two of them, and Declan waking up disappointed thinking that Anna has gone on board the leaving bus without saying goodbye, she beamed at the thought that maybe, just maybe, he cared about her.  

"Declan: You're joking me.

Anna: You can deduct the coffee from my bill. (smiles)

Declan: Deduct away.  Don't forget to add on for a new pair of shoes... pukey. (smiles)"

It was beautifully acted by both actors. It's either that, or I was just too stressed out that I was totally back to being 16 years old again!  I suspect it's the former.  Perhaps, that's really all that the film was aimed at... to bring some respite to 'tired souls'.  And ya know what, it was right on target!

The film had many little surprises here and there.  As if the cute performances of Adams and Goode were not enough, when things were really looking a bit warm and 'grand' between Anna and Declan, and I was really 'warming up' to the characters as they quite obviously were falling for each other, the makers of the film snuck in with a Neil Young classic, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", interpreted by Gwyneth Herbert...

  🎶 "When you were young and on your own

How did it feel to be alone?

I was always thinking of games that I was playing

Trying to make the best of my time.

But only love can break your heart..." 🎵

*sigh*  Uhm, wow... speaking of 'tired souls', I felt like I just 'died' and went up to heaven. What a song!  How so melancholy, how sweet, how true... how beautiful, indeed!  To me, that 'nailed' it.  I officially love this film... never mind that I'm seven years late.

So, yeah, "Leap Year" was one 'grand' a-tumbler-of-popcorn-worthy rom-com! :)

My Rating:  Good "me time" material.  Go for it!

***

Photo credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the screen shot and the video link.

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Saturday night music...

...because it's been another action-packed week that I missed 'Friday Night Music'.
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by PAM


Felt like I was 'running around' all week, and my fingers have been 'flying' on my keyboard - beating real and self-imposed deadlines.  So, need to slow down.  For some reason, I've been humming this song in my head...

"I wanna be with you, there's nothing more to say

there's nothing else I want more than to feel this way..." 

That sounds really good, doesn't it?  Just one girl simply singing about a boy in a beautifully-lit dance studio... in an overall feel-good sorta way.  No shocking violence nor exasperating visuals in sex-insinuating scenes that are so prevalent in music videos these days.  Of course, Mandy Moore's lip gloss is 'so nineties' and she seemed to try a bit too hard to look as 'sultry' as Cristina Aguilera in this video... but, boy, I didn't realize how slim and long-limbed MM actually was!  I've always had that straight-from-the-monastery picture of her in a "Walk to Remember" (2002) in my head... and she obviously gained some weight when she starred in "Chasing Liberty" (2004) where we first took notice of that beautiful Brit Matthew Goode. :)

And, speaking of "A Walk to Remember", this song comes to mind, too...

"In places no one will find all your feelings so deep inside

It was there that I realized that forever was in your eyes

the moment I saw you cry."

And who can forget this song from the same film? 

"And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours...

I know now you're my only hope."

Uhm, yeah... wasn't that all so very different from the music videos as we know these days?  It's amazing how it all changed so drastically in just one decade!  Ah, 'change'... the 'much abused' word that should mean 'hope... a step forward - for the better'.  It has now become a theme for promoting personal agenda, a propaganda to justify deviation from what is right, a rebellion against order by people who are simply bored out of their thick (empty) skulls!

Ah, but wait... this is supposed to be an evening of 'feel-good' stuff, hopeful stuff, good stuff.  So, yeah... what about ending with something from one of my favorite bands, "The World I know" by Collective Soul?

"Has all the kindness gone?

Hope still lingers on."

***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

*** 

Obama cares...

...to sing about 'the shape of you'!
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by PAM


I know, I know, the past few posts were grim.  OK, so let me make it up to you (assuming we have a 'you' here, that is) with this, and see if it doesn't crack you up like it did me...

"Come on, now, follow my lead...
I'm in love with the shape of you..."

Hahaha.... oh, gosh!  Now, isn't that fun?  So hilarious!  

But, really, seriously... what if, the great "Presidential Lecturer" himself really tried singing "Shape of you"?  I'd wager he'd do really great.  Are we ever going to find out?  Ah, gosh... I wish we'd see the day when Pres. Barack Obama really gets the pop singing going, seriously!

OK, I wish I had more time here... but I gotta go.  'Daily grind', ya know... whatever.

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

***

'Pictures, pictures.'..

...and more 'pictures'!
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by PAM


I saw this 2012 'chick flick' on Star Movies called, "The Vow", just now.  It featured Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum in a sort of predictable plot that, to be fair, had a few quite touching moments.  

The happily married couple, Paige (McAdams) and Leo (Tatum), met a vehicular accident.  This caused Paige to suffer brain trauma, resulting in her losing a few years of her memory, including how her life with Leo began and came about.  For some reason, she remembered her past before Leo, including a past relationship.  This caused her to reunite with her rich family, which she deserted before meeting Leo because of her father's infidelity in which he cheated on her mother with Paige's closest friend. But even this, Paige did not remember.  Leo had never met Paige's family before the accident, and meeting them made him realize how different Paige's old life was compared with the one she lived with him.  Rather than imposing himself to her, being her husband, Leo respected Paige's request for space as she traced her way back to her life with him before the accident.  He tried to remind Paige of their love instead - by courting her all over again, which warmed Paige's heart as she was drawn to him naturally.  I admit, that's sweet. 💖  All the time he was spending in making her fall all over again took a toll on Leo's financially precarious new business though.  Paige's rich father, who wanted to take advantage of her condition to win her back, offered to save the business if Leo divorced Paige.  Leo resisted, but then when Paige started to feel frustrated by how she was unable to recall her life with Leo, moving closer to her family and farther away from Leo, he let her go by agreeing to the divorce.

Paige picked up the pieces, starting from what she can recall from old life with her rich family, including her old plan to study Law with prodding from her father.  But, it did not work because she kept gravitating to her real interest, which was art - the same thing that led her to Leo, who was into music production and owned a recording studio.  Later, when her best friend approached her to apologize for her affair with Paige's father that caused Paige to turn her back on her family in the past, she was shocked.  She questioned her family on how they used her loss of memory to regain her favor.  The same is true with her previous boyfriend, who used her loss of memory of her marriage to Leo and her memory of their previous relationship to his advantage.  Realizing how she is being gently manipulated, Paige turned him down all over again. 

And then she realized Leo's patience and sincerity in helping her find her way back to her life - in her own terms.  As she started to miss Leo's presence in her life, she found 'the marriage vow' that she wrote in her wedding with Leo.  She realized his love to her... and she fell in love all over again.

The End.

I think there was very little chemistry between McAdams and Tatum.  And, Tatum was doing 'his acting thing' again - the emotion not reaching his eyes.  And because the eyes are the windows to the soul, that deprived the audience from looking into Leo's soul.  The grief, the love, the frustration, the excitement, the joy - they simply lacked depth in Tatum's portrayal of Leo... although he seemed to try.  It's a good thing that he is really good looking, 😅 otherwise, it would have been unbearable to watch. But McAdams... ah, she's great - as usual! 👏  She always brings the character she plays to life.  She is awesome like that.  However, in spite of McAdams' beautiful portrayal of Paige's character, the movie is not all that great.  The best that I'd probably remember about it is hearing The Cure sing "Pictures of You" while the credits rolled.  Oy! 💓

"Remembering you standing quiet in the rain

as I ran to your heart to be near...

Looking so long at these pictures of you

but I never hold on to your heart."

My goodness, what a song!  How melancholy, but, man, so beautiful!  They don't make songs this beautiful anymore these days. But then, even in those good old days of brilliance in music, The Cure was truly exceptional.  So, yeah... past, pictures, memories.  🎵"There is nothing in the world that I ever wanted more." 🎶 And you wish you'd just drown in them for a moment... drown in the beauty of it all rather than stare at this present ugliness, this imposing monstrosity called 'reality'.  

Then again, aren't we responsible of our own 'reality'?  In that case, I choose to move on from this ugliness.  WELCOME, HAPPINESS!

***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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