Thursday, March 05, 2015

What I Watched. What I Saw.



"Let both (the weeds and wheat) grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.'"   ... Matthew 13:30


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I confess. Each morning I pause before opening the curtains across our picture window because I know exactly what's outside and--seeing it--I'll groan:




Bleh.

But one must go on, open the curtains anyway and keep her thoughts full of God, blessings and joy rather than all that tiresome dirty-white, icy mess out there.

This morning, God fluttered something down to my lap, or my tv actually, which helped me aim my thoughts toward the lighter, brighter side. It came by way of Netflix and was a delightfully fun documentary titled, Advanced Style.

Oh my. Have you seen it? As I've written before, I love eccentric ladies and this film was flooded with them. 

Here's the blog that started it all.

And here's a tiny blurb about the documentary:

"Advanced Style examines the lives of seven unique New Yorkers whose eclectic personal style and vital spirit have guided their approach to aging."


This film had old-fashioned glamour, rampant quirkiness and those ancient, dark, tall-ceiling'd New York apartments with decades and layers of antiques. And it had wisdom:

Use the gifts you were given. They just might make people happy.
Accept growing older with grace.
Don't live in fear of what others think of you.
Make the most of the days you have left.


Although, I didn't agree with everything said, of course. I've known people who'll disagree with one scene, one word or idea on a tv program and click! Off it goes and away they go in a huff. And then they miss the dozen other life-affirming ideas which would have changed their life's path for the good. 

Those people--often--are the ones who, on their deathbeds, have neither changed nor grown, but stagnated because they kept their mind inside a narrow box. I've watched it happen, and well, I'm determined it won't happen to me. 

So I'll continue to watch documentaries like Advanced Style and separate the wheat from the chaff/weeds like a true grown-up does. And then move on happily, nudged by new inspiration and an invitation to continue becoming who God created me to be.

Even in coldest, darkest Wintertime.



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"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."   ... Ephesians 5:15,16


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Some people hyperventilate just thinking about high prices at the supermarket. Not me. I keep buying items only on sale, plus, I use doubled coupons (when applicable). Here are a few deals I brought home Tuesday:



SO Delicious creamer -- both free
Lloyds barbeque meat -- both free
NYC cover stick -- free
Silk Coconut milk -- 1.39
Pictsweet Vegetables -- 1.00 each
Olivari olive oil -- 2.50 each

Without sales and coupons I would have paid $37.89
Instead I paid just $8.39

One way I stay motivated to shop this way in Today's world where prices (especially for groceries) keep rising? I often remind myself of this verse:


"When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet."   ...Proverbs 31:21


(Well, the parallel makes sense to me, anyway. heh.)




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5 comments:

Debra said...

Clarice--so glad you were able to see this documentary and loved it also! Weren't they an inspiring delight? :)

Oh, and there are still tons of ways to save on great healthy/organic/fresh food to where it doesn't cost more at all. Like, always buy enough on sale to last until the next sale/buy in bulk/search online for coupons for the healthy stuff--they're out there! Earthbound Farms is an example. Also check out Mambo Sprouts--they cover lots of other organic companies.

I belong to coupon groups where some of the women are majorly into eating right and they find ways to save thousands yearly on food. It shouldn't cost more to eat right--honest!

Thanks, Clarice! Blessings, Debra

Debra said...

Clarice--I think you'll like the video I sent you about saving on natural products. The couple on the video are so cute and I love the happily-ever-after ending! heh. :) Blessings, Debra

Bonnie said...

I love the Advanced Style blog! Been reading it for several years now. I read about the documentary and saw that it was in California around last Fall, I think. Had no idea that it was on Netflix. I guess I haven't read the blog lately. Thanks for the heads up! I especially like when he'll have a video interview of one of the ladies on the blog. Sorry about your continued winter, Debra. My folks are having highs of 10 degrees. It's getting a little tiring. I'll bet you're happy puttering 'round the house though. You'll love seeing the grass and crocus all the more in a month or so. I remember many an Easter with snow piles here and there. Thanks again for the Advanced Style info!

Debra said...

Bonnie-- I know you'll really enjoy the Advanced Style documentary! And yes, most days I'm glad to be safely home and really can't think of any other place I'd rather be. But then there are other days..... :) Thanks for commenting! Blessings, Debra

Bonnie said...

I watched the documentary yesterday, Debra! It was great. I've seen videos of some of the women on his blog but still it was fun to watch them interact. I got such a kick out of the women who owned the clothing store bickering with each other. I also appreciated the end when they talked more about the challenges of aging. It's important to be real. I also watched a doc. about Amish leaving the church and another one called Craigs list Joe. About a young guy who relies on free offers on craigs list to live for one month. It's really a study in people. I think you'd like it. Have a good week!