Over the holidays, we let the boys watch a few classic Christmas movies, and they fell in love with The Polar Express and The Nightmare Before Christmas. I quickly had my fill of Tom Hanks and that holiday train, but I could watch Jack Skellington and his misfits all day long. I was in high school when the film was released, and I remember how cutting edge it was back then. (If that doesn’t show my age, then nothing does!)
But the animation and the story are really timeless, I think. Plus, the characters in the opening song sing, “Tender lumplings everywhere, life’s no fun without a good scare. That’s our job, but we’re not mean, in our town of Halloween,” so nothing is scary when you can see what’s really behind it, as I like to remind James and Rhys.
Right now, I’m especially smitten with Sally (played by Catherine O’Hara), the beautiful rag doll who shares Jack’s restlessness, but knows that his quest for change will only lead to sadness and destruction. She alone understands him and tries to stop his terrible plan to overtake Christmas, but Jack refuses to listen and the results are disastrous.
Sally’s song, sung as Jack flies off on Christmas Eve, is haunting and beautiful, and it’s stuck in my head at the moment. (It also reminds me of this song from Popeye, sung by Shelley Duvall.)
In the end, Jack comes to see the error of his ways (after terrifying children and falling from the sky), and realizes that he is happiest being himself, The Pumpkin King. He expresses his love for Sally and all is well again in Halloween Town.
If only things were that simple in real life. Still, it’s a fresh take on a classic tale, and that’s why I adore it.
(A barn at the family farm.)
This week we all returned to our routines, and it felt so good to get back to normal. It’s been cold (for Texas) and rainy all week, but the sun is finally peeking through, so we’re hoping to get some outside time this weekend. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
The story of a tiny hero, one of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School. He had ties to Austin, and his bravery is truly memorable.
The Holiday Special for Call the Midwife is available for viewing at PBS. I missed it over Christmas, but watched it this week, with tissues in hand. I’m not sure how long it will be up, so take advantage of the show’s honest beauty and enjoy the holidays a little longer. The new season begins March 31st.
And finally, one of the most beautiful fashion posts I’ve ever read, by my friend, Sandra, at Raincoast Cottage. I was feeling a bit underwhelmed with the season premiere of Downton Abbey, but after watching this video over and over (and over) again, I’m excited to stay tuned. And I’m also incredibly inspired by the stunning makeup and dresses, and I know you’ll love them, too.
Have a wonderful weekend!
(Hair Nectar of the Gods in a Pretty Pink Bottle.)
I don’t write about hair products often, mostly because I go to a Paul Mitchell salon, so I’m legally required to use their products. Well, not really, but my dye job is guaranteed to last longer that way, and I do what I’m told. Usually. But, in my last Luxe Box, I received a sample of Cristalliste Lumière Liquide by Kérastase, and while I don’t speak French, I’m pretty sure that gigantic title translates to “Hair Nectar of the Gods in a Pretty Pink Bottle” or something fairly similar. Just kidding. It really means “Liquid Light Complex.”
Just for fun, I tried out the little sample vial, and I literally couldn’t believe how much better my hair looked. The serum, which has the texture of a light oil, is designed for long, straight hair with oily roots and dry ends. Well, you know I have short, curly hair, but my roots tend to be oily and my ends are dry, especially after doing this, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt just to experiment. Affter using it for a few days over the Christmas break, I decided I can’t live without this magic potion, so I ordered a full-size bottle of my own (from Amazon
I’ve worn a curly bob, in one form or another, since I got pregnant with James back in 2008, and this year, I’ve resolved to grow my hair out, at least to shoulder length. In the process, I’ve got to deal with a mass of curls that tend to stick together in a helmet style, but this Liquide helps to define and separate my curls individually, without any stickiness or crunchiness. I apply a few drops to my hand after my shower, and just run it through my wet hair, then add my regular styling products (all Paul Mitchell) after that. I’m really thrilled with the result, and while I don’t know how it will work this summer in the heat and humidity, I’m loving it so far.
Just don’t tell my hair stylist.
