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Andy K (10821 KP) rated Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Bob makes everyone happy!
I found this documentary on the Bob Ross phenomenon on Amazon Prime and it is worth checking out.
It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.
The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.
One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.
What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.
It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.
The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.
One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.
What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.
Lowri Catryn (229 KP) rated After Life - Season 2 in TV
Jul 3, 2020
Exploring the aspects of mental health (3 more)
Storyline
Characters
Honesty
Truthful, honest and brutal
Afterlife Season 2 continued to follow the story of Tony, a brutal but honest character who is trying to become a better friends to those around him, whilst still struggling with the immense grief of losing his wife. Although maintaining his brutal honesty and hard shell, you see this character develop more and more into a more kindhearted, supportive and better person whilst still battling with the loss of his wife. We also see how he mentors a new aspiring journalist, and tries to brighten up what essentially isn't the greatest job/career choice for her. We see how each one of his friends are battling their own problems and how he manages to finally face his own, in order to help others. With the loss of his wife, the potential loss of his job and dealing with the loss of his father twice (due to dementia and then passing away) - we see the reality of loss and stigma around mental health, rather than falsely painting the issues in the programme to be positive, we view the harsh reality of everyday life. It is refreshing to see the reality and harshness of issues such loss, grief, addiction, loss etc.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated In the Heart of the Sea (2015) in Movies
Apr 9, 2021 (Updated Jul 4, 2021)
If this story was handled with a bit more bite, a little less austere loyalty to formula than Ron Howard's PG-13 cleanliness then honestly this could have been the solid adventure movie it so clearly wants to be. It's already got the right look for it - with these pretty much perfect sea-faring nautical visuals: rich blues, greens, and yellows smoothly coat dutch angles of people looking wide-eyed into the sky with the wind flowing through their hair and whatnot... it's beautiful until it directly clashes with this indefensible CGI. The whales look like shit and the horrendous green screen work makes everyone constantly look like that last scene from 𝘎𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪 𝘔𝘢𝘯. The framing device with Whishaw and Gleeson - both of whom are award-worthy in this (particularly Gleeson, giving some of the best work of his career painting a deeply effective complex portrait of this clearly haunted man) - is more exciting and emotive than the actual story, which shambles at such a laborious pace that one can even stop laughing at Hemsworth's piss-poor accent. Just feels manufactured, cuts a bit too much to simulate fun rather than actually having it. Has its moments but you're better off just re-reading "Moby Dick".
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Murder in the Piazza in Books
Sep 10, 2022 (Updated Sep 10, 2022)
Murder in Rome
Maggie White’s husband has been sent to Rome for two years for his job, and she’s gone along with him. After a few months of living the life of leisure, she has found a job working for Masterpiece Tours, a specialty tour company that offers painting lessons and tours of some of the museums and famous locations in the city. She’s barely started and she’s already fantasizing about ways to kill her boss, Lord Phillip, an English expat. However, she is shocked to find him shot in his office one evening. The police don’t seem that interested in figuring out what happened, so Maggie starts investigating. Can she figure out what is going on?
This was a good travel themed mystery. It brought Rome to life in such a way that I felt I was there with Maggie. Unfortunately, the pacing of the mystery was off early on, but I did appreciate how everything came together at the end. We met many of the characters in a group setting, but they became distinct people as the story progressed, so it wasn’t really an issue. If you are looking for a virtual visit to Rome with a side of murder, this is the book for you.
This was a good travel themed mystery. It brought Rome to life in such a way that I felt I was there with Maggie. Unfortunately, the pacing of the mystery was off early on, but I did appreciate how everything came together at the end. We met many of the characters in a group setting, but they became distinct people as the story progressed, so it wasn’t really an issue. If you are looking for a virtual visit to Rome with a side of murder, this is the book for you.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated The Shadow of Memory in Books
May 11, 2022 (Updated May 11, 2022)
Is a Cold Case Leading to Modern Murders?
Kate Hamilton and her fiancé, Tom Mallory, are trying to plan their wedding, but having difficulty making decisions. Meanwhile, Kate and her colleague, Ivor, are asked to sell a painting that might be several centuries old. Something about it seems off to Kate, however. Then there’s the murder in Kate’s village with ties to a friend of hers. Kate begins to think these events are connected, but can she prove it?
There is a lot going on here, but I never had trouble following the story at all. I’m impressed with how everything comes together at the end without dropping any of the plot points along the way. The characters we already know are wonderful, and it is great to see their relationships growing. The new characters feel real, even though they don’t get that much page time. This book is on the more serious side of the cozy spectrum, but that’s just an observation, not a warning. I was actually frustrated that life kept getting in the way of my reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Fans will be pleased. If that isn’t you yet, start this series today.
There is a lot going on here, but I never had trouble following the story at all. I’m impressed with how everything comes together at the end without dropping any of the plot points along the way. The characters we already know are wonderful, and it is great to see their relationships growing. The new characters feel real, even though they don’t get that much page time. This book is on the more serious side of the cozy spectrum, but that’s just an observation, not a warning. I was actually frustrated that life kept getting in the way of my reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Fans will be pleased. If that isn’t you yet, start this series today.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Time Chamber: A Magical Story and Colouring Book in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Take a break from the chaos of life and spend hours immersed in the intricacies and the magic of The Time Chamber, a coloring book for adults.
The red haired fairy leaves her time garden to visit our world. She brings with her, a few magical items, which you must find hidden in the pages. Everything she touches is a magical new adventure for her. She explores our world as the little girl sleeps. When the girl awakens, the fairy retreats back to her own world.
I have always enjoyed art. Whether it's painting an original piece, coloring a fuzzy poster, doing a paint-by-number or doodling in my son's coloring book, I find relaxation in expressing myself through my artwork. So when I discovered coloring books for adults, I did a happy dance. I have spent hours coloring in The Time Chamber. The detail is incredible and the artwork intricate. I also found the story line enchanting. Although, I did find a few inconsistencies with the patterns that my O.C.D. did not like, I was able to overlook them and enjoy my time. Overall, this is a very charming book and I absolutely love taking time out of the day to relax and color.
I received a free copy of The Time Chamber from Penguin Random House Publishing through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
The red haired fairy leaves her time garden to visit our world. She brings with her, a few magical items, which you must find hidden in the pages. Everything she touches is a magical new adventure for her. She explores our world as the little girl sleeps. When the girl awakens, the fairy retreats back to her own world.
I have always enjoyed art. Whether it's painting an original piece, coloring a fuzzy poster, doing a paint-by-number or doodling in my son's coloring book, I find relaxation in expressing myself through my artwork. So when I discovered coloring books for adults, I did a happy dance. I have spent hours coloring in The Time Chamber. The detail is incredible and the artwork intricate. I also found the story line enchanting. Although, I did find a few inconsistencies with the patterns that my O.C.D. did not like, I was able to overlook them and enjoy my time. Overall, this is a very charming book and I absolutely love taking time out of the day to relax and color.
I received a free copy of The Time Chamber from Penguin Random House Publishing through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Amélie (2001) in Movies
Sep 21, 2020
Rich cinematic comfort food, not only am I wholly befuddled by this - but shocked at how many people don't hate it. By most means this shouldn't work let alone as remarkably as it does: it exudes any and all of the qualities that defined late 90s/early 00s Miramax-style cinema which sort of began with 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 and plateaued with 𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 where everyone was randomly obsessed with people doing 'adorkable' quirky things for little to no reason (i.e. painting the same Renoir piece once a year for 20 years, looking under photo booths for torn up pictures that you then put together into an extensive photo album collection [??]) and ubiquitous, fast-talking overnarration that just explains a lot of excess details that only exist to be eccentric. I myself will most certainly cop to having a huge warm spot for that sort of film - for the most part - as now we've sort of crescendoed back into the 'monotonous, stock Wikipedia article' type of film. At any rate, this was just so wonderful. An ode to the good in life with pretty much spotless dialogue, scenes that snap together like puzzle pieces, and a deservedly iconic aesthetic - the way better version of 𝘗𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥. Audrey Tatou deserved *so* much better than slumming it in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦 after this.
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Hidden Gypsy Magic (A Witch’s Journey #3) in Books
Oct 27, 2020
According to Goodreads, Hidden Gypsy Magic is the third book in the Witch's Journey series and is a connection between the author's Lobster Cove series and this one. This made for some confusion as characters and events were mentioned that I had no prior knowledge of.
Brock and Gwen both have Hidden Gypsy Magic (hence the title) but this story takes you along as they find out just how that affects Brock. Gwen already knows about hers and uses it most days at the Sanctuary. Brock is in for some surprises when he takes Gwen to his family cabin and also when he buys a home in Salem.
This was an interesting story with a good twist regarding the Salem Witch Trials. I loved how the painting featured and changed in the story. This is a fast-paced story with a lot going on - from poachers to heiresses who want our main male - so you need to pay attention to exactly what is going on and when.
Steamy in some places but not so it overtakes the story, this was a read that I enjoyed and can recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Brock and Gwen both have Hidden Gypsy Magic (hence the title) but this story takes you along as they find out just how that affects Brock. Gwen already knows about hers and uses it most days at the Sanctuary. Brock is in for some surprises when he takes Gwen to his family cabin and also when he buys a home in Salem.
This was an interesting story with a good twist regarding the Salem Witch Trials. I loved how the painting featured and changed in the story. This is a fast-paced story with a lot going on - from poachers to heiresses who want our main male - so you need to pay attention to exactly what is going on and when.
Steamy in some places but not so it overtakes the story, this was a read that I enjoyed and can recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Paint Me a Crime in Books
Jul 24, 2023 (Updated Jul 24, 2023)
Grand Opening Murder
Jessamine Rhodes has worked hard to open a new community art center in Rose Shore, British Columbia, and is excited that opening day is here. She’s honored that artist Gabriella Everhart has agreed to show one of her paintings and teach a class on watercolors. But as the event is winding down, the lights go out briefly. When they come back on, someone has stolen the painting, and an art collector is dead. With her reputation and new business on the line, Jessamine tries to figure out what happened. Can she do it?
The book jumps right in with the opening, so it isn’t too long before the plot gets rolling. I was hooked the entire way through, thinking I had it figured out a couple of times only to be wrong when we reached the logical climax. The characters are also charming, and I loved spending time with them, although the suspects could have had a little more page time to be fully developed. The writing kept me a little outside the story at first until I adjusted, but it was a minor issue. One of Jessamine’s friends owns a tea shop, so there is lots of talk about food – enough to make me hungry while I read. This is a promising debut, and I’ll definitely be looking for more by this author.
The book jumps right in with the opening, so it isn’t too long before the plot gets rolling. I was hooked the entire way through, thinking I had it figured out a couple of times only to be wrong when we reached the logical climax. The characters are also charming, and I loved spending time with them, although the suspects could have had a little more page time to be fully developed. The writing kept me a little outside the story at first until I adjusted, but it was a minor issue. One of Jessamine’s friends owns a tea shop, so there is lots of talk about food – enough to make me hungry while I read. This is a promising debut, and I’ll definitely be looking for more by this author.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Light at the End of the Day in Books
Jan 14, 2024
9 of 220
Book
The Light at the End of the Day
By Eleanor Wasserberg
⭐️⭐️
When Jozef is commissioned to paint a portrait of the younger daughter of Kraków’s grand Oderfeldt family, it is only his desperate need for money that drives him to accept. He has no wish to indulge a pampered child-princess or her haughty, condescending parents – and almost doesn’t notice Alicia’s bookish older sister, Karolina.
But when he is ushered by a servant into their house on Kraków’s fashionable Bernadyńska street in the winter of 1937, he has no inkling of the way his life will become entangled with the Oderfeldts'. Or of the impact that the German invasion will have upon them all.
As Poland is engulfed by war, and Jozef’s painting is caught up in the tides of history, Alicia, Karolina and their parents are forced to flee – their Jewish identity transformed into something dangerous, and their comfortable lives overturned …
I struggled with this book in several places. The story was so sad and I can’t even begin to imagine living like this but the book was a tough read I’m not sure why either which is so frustrating. I couldn’t bring my to like these characters at all under the storyline the characters were hard to like.
Book
The Light at the End of the Day
By Eleanor Wasserberg
⭐️⭐️
When Jozef is commissioned to paint a portrait of the younger daughter of Kraków’s grand Oderfeldt family, it is only his desperate need for money that drives him to accept. He has no wish to indulge a pampered child-princess or her haughty, condescending parents – and almost doesn’t notice Alicia’s bookish older sister, Karolina.
But when he is ushered by a servant into their house on Kraków’s fashionable Bernadyńska street in the winter of 1937, he has no inkling of the way his life will become entangled with the Oderfeldts'. Or of the impact that the German invasion will have upon them all.
As Poland is engulfed by war, and Jozef’s painting is caught up in the tides of history, Alicia, Karolina and their parents are forced to flee – their Jewish identity transformed into something dangerous, and their comfortable lives overturned …
I struggled with this book in several places. The story was so sad and I can’t even begin to imagine living like this but the book was a tough read I’m not sure why either which is so frustrating. I couldn’t bring my to like these characters at all under the storyline the characters were hard to like.
Andy K (10821 KP) Jul 10, 2019
ClareR (5603 KP) Jul 10, 2019