Jumping on the Orble birthday bandwagon.
August 18th 2007 07:48
I nearly didn’t celebrate my Orble birthday as I thought that there wasn’t much point as it had passed, plus I didn’t want to look like a copycat. Then last night, I decided I would, after all a year of anything is something to celebrate isn’t it? And I’m proud of my year and I’m pleased to be with good company, Bryn, Andrea and John Doe and anyone else who is celebrating their birthday too. Congratulations to us all. I didn’t even realise it was my anniversary until the lovely CC told me it was Aug 13th, thanks for letting me know, it’s much appreciated.
I think I might hop back to the beginning to tell you how I got here. My first post was My Mysterious Skin, a review of the film Mysterious Skin. John Doe was my first commenter and the first to spur me on. I was nervous and scared about having my writing ‘exposed’. As Andrea said about her blog Diet and Health, it started off as a bit of an experiment. I didn’t expect to catch the zeal and remain committed to it as I have (although it has gone up and down at times, but I put that down to life).
When I saw the Orble advert, I knew immediately what I wanted to write about: films, especially those that have seeped into my soul and stayed there. I chose my blog topic Movies and Life as the combination of the two elements is an alluring, addictive blend. They are intertwined, films can emulate life and life can emulate films. Those are two of my main passions in life as well as music. My other film passion is foreign films where I gain an insight into other cultures and directors’ methods. My main source of those films is SBS and World Movies, I don’t know what I would do without them; probably spend a small fortune at the video shop.
Just before I started Orbling (it’s now a verb), I had just discovered and devoured a gem of a book called Movies and the Meaning of Life by Kimberley Blessing and Paul Tudico. I would definitely recommend this book if you are questioning what life is all about and trying to make some sense of it. It's a compilation of essays written by various writers with qualifications ranging from philosophy to theology. It is dedicated to showing how a wide variety of films such as American Beauty, Groundhog Day and The Truman Show have tackled the eternal question of ‘what’s it all about’, life that is. It even uses less obvious philosophical blockbuster films such as Spiderman and The Minority Report to examine the question and relationship. As we know this question has perplexed the great thinkers of philosophy for eons. According to Albert Camus, an existentialist writer whom I admire, ‘The meaning of life is the most urgent of questions.’
Initially my first film thoughts were about my most influential directors, including, Ken Loach, Mike Leigh, Stanley Kubrick, Hal Hartley and Pedro Almodovar amongst others (some I haven’t done yet). I wanted to talk about films that dealt with issues that were part of life, that were sometimes difficult to talk about, yet were significant. I wanted to look at films that portray a faithful representation of human life and social reality, focusing on the plight of the poor and the working classes and calling for social reforms and the end of exploitation and injustice. As Loach said, ‘'People are very vulnerable when they're in that state of turmoil. It's just like a quagmire, when you feel your feet start to sink; you think that you'll never get out.’ I wanted to explore this quandary rather than ignore it. I wanted to look at films that evoked strong emotions such as despair, sadness, empathy and frustration at the limitations of the characters lives which was a regular occurrence in films by Loach and Leigh.
My first glimpse into was accidental, I’d only vaguely heard of him but hadn’t watched any of his films yet. I found Raining Stones and it had a profound effect on me. It was my first taste of Ken’s dedication to creating unforgettable portraits of human anguish and the price society can pay when best intentions go awry. This film screamed messages that I believed were crucial to society and me, highlighting the difficulties of marginalised parts of society.
I believe awareness is the first vital key in the process to making a difference, however small and in whatever forms it may take, such as formal education, films, arts, media and/or life experiences. It mightn’t be as powerful as political reforms, but could still be just as important in as creating compassion and empathy for those in the situations directors have the power to highlight. A consistent concern throughout Loach’s work seems to be how to incorporate politics into mainstream fiction films without becoming purely polemical. Mmm, I just realised that I’m lapsing into a Ken Loach memoire so I’ll leave him there. He has special emphasis because it was him and other valiant directors that set me thinking about analysing films and spurred me into my choice of blog.
When I’m going to see a film and or choose music, I work out what kind of mood I’m in and then find a film/music that suits it. I am intrigued by the relationship between films and life. Films give me the chance to pass through a portal into another world that I wouldn't normally have access to. If a film tells me something about life, I'm intrigued. The more a film makes me think, the better. The longer the character/s stay with me tends to mean how much of an impact the film has had on me. When I saw the German film Head On (Gegen die Wand), I was so affected and involved that for the rest of the weekend, I felt as though I could have a conversation with the two main characters. That might sound extreme, but to me it meant that the film had worked and I relished that feeling.
My blog has had various peaks and troughs, I remember a spot where I couldn’t think of any topics to write about. So I wrote a post about it. I got some great advice and I was touched by the support from people.
At the other end of the Movies and Life spectrum, was the Life aspect. This perspective gave me the freedom to talk about events that just happened in life. They weren’t necessarily connected to films, but they were definitely connected to the world and were therefore fascinating to me. This part of the blog allowed me the flexibility to talk about a wide range of topics from my dog or to boobies in the park. The life part of my blog allows me to waffle on or sometimes just have a plain old moan.
Orble has encouraged me to take risks with writing and to experiment with topics far more than I thought I was able to. I’ve explored more topics and trusted myself far more than I expected. Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the year. Thanks also for your friendships, knowledge and humour. I have had many laughs, learned lots and admired many other bloggers.
I aim to continue writing for topics for as long as I have the zeal and ideas and I can’t see them diminishing....
Thanks Orble and everyone in it. I would love to list everyone personally but I don't want to leave anyone out so I'll say a global film thank-you.
I’ll end with a quote from Ken Loach:
‘A good story should surprise you as it unfolds. Then afterwards it should seem the story could only have unfolded that way. It should have surprises, but seem inexorable…. Which is a paradox. Or, dare I say it, a dialectic’.
I think I might hop back to the beginning to tell you how I got here. My first post was My Mysterious Skin, a review of the film Mysterious Skin. John Doe was my first commenter and the first to spur me on. I was nervous and scared about having my writing ‘exposed’. As Andrea said about her blog Diet and Health, it started off as a bit of an experiment. I didn’t expect to catch the zeal and remain committed to it as I have (although it has gone up and down at times, but I put that down to life).
When I saw the Orble advert, I knew immediately what I wanted to write about: films, especially those that have seeped into my soul and stayed there. I chose my blog topic Movies and Life as the combination of the two elements is an alluring, addictive blend. They are intertwined, films can emulate life and life can emulate films. Those are two of my main passions in life as well as music. My other film passion is foreign films where I gain an insight into other cultures and directors’ methods. My main source of those films is SBS and World Movies, I don’t know what I would do without them; probably spend a small fortune at the video shop.
Just before I started Orbling (it’s now a verb), I had just discovered and devoured a gem of a book called Movies and the Meaning of Life by Kimberley Blessing and Paul Tudico. I would definitely recommend this book if you are questioning what life is all about and trying to make some sense of it. It's a compilation of essays written by various writers with qualifications ranging from philosophy to theology. It is dedicated to showing how a wide variety of films such as American Beauty, Groundhog Day and The Truman Show have tackled the eternal question of ‘what’s it all about’, life that is. It even uses less obvious philosophical blockbuster films such as Spiderman and The Minority Report to examine the question and relationship. As we know this question has perplexed the great thinkers of philosophy for eons. According to Albert Camus, an existentialist writer whom I admire, ‘The meaning of life is the most urgent of questions.’
Initially my first film thoughts were about my most influential directors, including, Ken Loach, Mike Leigh, Stanley Kubrick, Hal Hartley and Pedro Almodovar amongst others (some I haven’t done yet). I wanted to talk about films that dealt with issues that were part of life, that were sometimes difficult to talk about, yet were significant. I wanted to look at films that portray a faithful representation of human life and social reality, focusing on the plight of the poor and the working classes and calling for social reforms and the end of exploitation and injustice. As Loach said, ‘'People are very vulnerable when they're in that state of turmoil. It's just like a quagmire, when you feel your feet start to sink; you think that you'll never get out.’ I wanted to explore this quandary rather than ignore it. I wanted to look at films that evoked strong emotions such as despair, sadness, empathy and frustration at the limitations of the characters lives which was a regular occurrence in films by Loach and Leigh.
My first glimpse into was accidental, I’d only vaguely heard of him but hadn’t watched any of his films yet. I found Raining Stones and it had a profound effect on me. It was my first taste of Ken’s dedication to creating unforgettable portraits of human anguish and the price society can pay when best intentions go awry. This film screamed messages that I believed were crucial to society and me, highlighting the difficulties of marginalised parts of society.
I believe awareness is the first vital key in the process to making a difference, however small and in whatever forms it may take, such as formal education, films, arts, media and/or life experiences. It mightn’t be as powerful as political reforms, but could still be just as important in as creating compassion and empathy for those in the situations directors have the power to highlight. A consistent concern throughout Loach’s work seems to be how to incorporate politics into mainstream fiction films without becoming purely polemical. Mmm, I just realised that I’m lapsing into a Ken Loach memoire so I’ll leave him there. He has special emphasis because it was him and other valiant directors that set me thinking about analysing films and spurred me into my choice of blog.
When I’m going to see a film and or choose music, I work out what kind of mood I’m in and then find a film/music that suits it. I am intrigued by the relationship between films and life. Films give me the chance to pass through a portal into another world that I wouldn't normally have access to. If a film tells me something about life, I'm intrigued. The more a film makes me think, the better. The longer the character/s stay with me tends to mean how much of an impact the film has had on me. When I saw the German film Head On (Gegen die Wand), I was so affected and involved that for the rest of the weekend, I felt as though I could have a conversation with the two main characters. That might sound extreme, but to me it meant that the film had worked and I relished that feeling.
My blog has had various peaks and troughs, I remember a spot where I couldn’t think of any topics to write about. So I wrote a post about it. I got some great advice and I was touched by the support from people.
At the other end of the Movies and Life spectrum, was the Life aspect. This perspective gave me the freedom to talk about events that just happened in life. They weren’t necessarily connected to films, but they were definitely connected to the world and were therefore fascinating to me. This part of the blog allowed me the flexibility to talk about a wide range of topics from my dog or to boobies in the park. The life part of my blog allows me to waffle on or sometimes just have a plain old moan.
Orble has encouraged me to take risks with writing and to experiment with topics far more than I thought I was able to. I’ve explored more topics and trusted myself far more than I expected. Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the year. Thanks also for your friendships, knowledge and humour. I have had many laughs, learned lots and admired many other bloggers.
I aim to continue writing for topics for as long as I have the zeal and ideas and I can’t see them diminishing....
Thanks Orble and everyone in it. I would love to list everyone personally but I don't want to leave anyone out so I'll say a global film thank-you.
I’ll end with a quote from Ken Loach:
‘A good story should surprise you as it unfolds. Then afterwards it should seem the story could only have unfolded that way. It should have surprises, but seem inexorable…. Which is a paradox. Or, dare I say it, a dialectic’.
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
Well done and it sounds like Orble has been a great year for you.
katyzzz
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, I love the process of seeing a film, analysing it, writing about it and then sharing it.
Best wishes,
Tracy
Comment by Lily
Ars Poetica
films, moans, dogs or boobies.. thanks for showing us the portals, to both simple and spectacular worlds..
i love your zeal, and the way you write, you are a wonderful human being Tracy....
~Lily
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Thank you so much for sharing this momentous occasion with you. Hope you are celebrating it in full on opening night style... limo, 40, 000 dress, handsome date on your arm, and Cristal' to drink and puppy in tow. We are all snapping pictures of you and being jealous of how well put together you are..... [sigh]
Enough of that... I have enjoyed your virtual friendship so much. Thanks for taking me on this journey with films, humor, and insight!
Fondly
Mis
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
What a wonderful Orblian CV. Always enjoy your posts, your musings and insights. It's also encouraging to know that in a world where so many seem to want to 'take' there's people (like you) who also want to 'give'. Thanks for your support - it's nice to know nice people.
Congrats
MNG
Comment by David
Happy First Orble Birthday. Great birthday post too, btw.
There's some really interesting quotes in this post. It's a great summary:
It's nice to know Orbling is up there with Googling as a verb.
David ...
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
This is Fog's message, for some reason I couldn't read it without putting it under my name....strange.
Thank-you, Fog, your words are always appreciated. Sorry I had to alter your message, I'm having a few technical problems, so I won't be able to answer properly for a bit.....
TRACE DE FACE!!!
HAPPY BURRRFDAY TO EWWWWEEEEE!!!
HAPPY BARRRFDAY TOOOO YEEEEWWWWWW!!!
HAPPEEEEEE BOOOOIIIIIFFFFDAAAAIII TOOOO UUUUUUUU..OOOOOOOOOooooohhhHH HHHH!!
HIP HIP!!
HOOORAY!
WHY WAS SHE BORN SO BOOOTIFOOL WHY WAS SHE BORN AT AAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!! tee hee!!!
Many happy returns old gurrl! A year is a tremendous achievement! Although new to Orble, I can now see the huge benefit it has on everyone, the discipline (well I am trying to learn that still...) you must develop over the year, in committing to writing on a consistantly regular basis, does make one a better writer and in some cases, a budding journalist.
I think, reading your slant on things, you could EASILY market your ability and copy to mass market publications. (By the way, so could KylieW with her Celebrity copy)
Try it out...what's to lose? Email one, a mag that has a review section, send a copy of a recent review, and see what happens! You will get at least $200- per article from most publications...and more!
cheers...HOOORAAAAYYYYY!!!!!! !!!!!
fog
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
I enjoyed your birthday post, and really like the end quote by Ken Loach.
p/s...I enjoy the different angles of your blog, hope you keep Orbling on
Comment by Jershey
Techie Lady
Its really nice to know that some blogs here are celebrating their birthdays. As a newbie here in orble, it gives me some inspiration and much confidence to achieve the same..
again happy birthday! and more to come
thanks,
Jershey
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I think the first post of yours I read was the party post ... and we have been rocking since then!
I am always left amazed by your ability to take so much away from a movie. I find at times I am barely able to recall a characters name and you can not only remember everything in great detail but provide a full analysis of it all too! That takes some serious skill!
Love your movie posts as well as the personal ones. Your poem reflecting what you wanted to do in life (sorry I can`t recall the title atm) always sticks in my mind. Life is short so enjoy the ride!
Look forward to reading your words for many years to come.
ash
Comment by Chic Critique
Cool blog, top post, all the best to you, you are awesome!
Cheers
CC
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Cool, happy one year
I'm catching up with you - my one year for Orble is coming soon too; September! Orble's been good to us, yeah? Glad you found a way to experiment with writing.
Till next time birthday girl,
Always Eighteen
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Congratulations on your first Orble anniversary! You've written an absolutely wonderful post--very articulate and very touching--in which you've helped us all to see--or at least remember--the profound effect that so many great films can and do have on our lives!
May you--and your readers--enjoy many more Orble anniversaries!
Sincerely,
Jeanne
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for all your comments, sorry for taking so long to answer but I was having technical problems. I was able to log into and comment on other people’s blogs but couldn’t get into mine, something to do with cookies – of the non-edible kind.
But I'm here now and comments here we come...
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thank-you for what you said and for appreciating my (sometimes ridiculous but fun) portals.
Your words are appreciated and mean a lot ro me, I’m touched.
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thank-you for being a part of this special occasion. Unfortunately all the limos were booked out (must be the torrential rain we’re having here in Sydney), but my husband and I did toddle up the road with a wonky brolly to see a free film. We even indulged in a hot chocolate. But he definitely is handsome, so that it is true. If he reads this, he’ll agree, he’s not afraid of admitting he’s good-looking. What a glam life I lead!!
Thank-you for your comments, Mis, they mean a lot. It’s a reciprocal journey as I enjoy your blogs so much too. I think I look like a mad woman when you have a new musical question as I scour all my CDs until I find what I need and your hypnotherapy blog has been an appreciated source of empathetic information (hope that bit makes sense).
Byee and thanks again,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It’s a pleasure to see you. I always feel as though I should have a glass of Pims or something like that when we’re talking, it must be your blog tag.
I’m glad you enjoy my posts; I always appreciate your comments and thoughts.
Thank-you for your kind comments, they are lovely things to say, they mean a lot.
Byee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thank-you for appreciating my birthday blog (why do I keep using such obvious alliterations? Maybe because it’s Monday).
Oh yes, Orble has definitely become a versatile word, a verb, a noun, maybe even an insult e.g. ‘you’re such an Orbler.’ It would have to be said with anger of course and maybe a shaking fist.
Thanks again for your comments and insights,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It’s always good to see you and hear your insights. I love the title, Trace de Face. I think I’m going to hint that my non-Orble friends can call me that too. I’m sure it’ll catch on.
I really appreciate what you said about submitting articles. You’re right, why not try? Thank-you for explaining the process, I really wasn’t sure of how to do it. That’s a brilliant idea.
Yes, Orble has definitely encouraged me to be experimental with writing and topics and has helped me with confidence. I really wasn’t used to sharing my writing that much before (without having a mini-panic attack) and now I am enjoying the freedom that blogging gives. And yes, like you said, reading what other people write, how they write, what they write and things like that has been helpful, entertaining, invaluable... Some days I can lose quite a few hours just reading, I love that (if I have the time of course, otherwise I’m just running late!!).
Congratulations on the setting-up of your blog. That was a great way to decide on a name. I’ve been enjoying your poetry and am looking forward to more.
Byeeeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thank-you for all your comments, it’s always good to see you.
I know I’ve already told you but I love your tootsies blog tag, it always makes me smile.
I’m glad you like the ever-changing slant of my blog and I aim to continue burbling on for as long as I can think of topics and see films....so I think I'll be around for quite a long time....
Byeee
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Sorry it's taken me so long to get over here and wish you congratulations on your anniversary. But here I am now!
Your blog encompasses two things that seem to have nothing to do with each other but, in reality, are so closely linked and affect every part of our lives.
Yes ... totally. I am with you one hundred per cent on this.
Congrats and I hope to celebrate with you again this time next year.
A.xx
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thank-you for your birthday wishes and for popping in, it’s great to meet you.
I’ll hop over to your blog soon and have a look.
Welcome to Orble, beware it’s addictive....
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thank-you for popping in and for your birthday wishes. I can’t believe it’s been a year already.
Thank-you also for your compliments and feedback on my writing. They are much appreciated.
I’m always glad to hear that the topics I write about trigger an urge in people to look at films and the effect they can have.
I think I’ll have more anniversaries as I aim to continue burbling on for as long as I can think of topics and see films...and I can’t see either changing.
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Ah yes, the Orble party, that was a good laugh wasn’t it? Although I did feel a bit seedy the next day after all those pina coladas we made! That was definitely the start of a great, lasting Orble friendship.
Thanks for all your compliments and continuous support. I am in awe of how you manage to juggle at the things in your life as well as regularly change your blog heading/picture!
I smiled when you said:
as I generally forget the characters’ name and need to look it up on a website afterwards. I get so immersed in the film's overall message/meaning that I forget to remember little details like the characters' names. I’m also a bit geeky and sometimes I take a notebook into the cinema with me if I think it’s going to be a film with parts I want to capture. Somehow, I’ve mastered the skill of writing in the dark. I also tend to write my thoughts in draft form just after seeing the film and then when I get time I write a review. When I see my fluffy ones, I just sit back and let it all roll....!!
I’m glad you liked that poem, when I look at it I see it as a reminder of what makes me happy.
Good to see you,
Byeeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's good to see you as always
Thank-you for all your comments, compliments and thoughts. I'm glad you enjoy my blog and pop in so often.
Looking forward to many more chats,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It’s good to see you. Thanks for your birthday wishes, it’s amazing how fast the year has gone isn’t it? Soon, it'll be time for you to celebrate.
Yes, Orble has definitely been good to us; it’s a great foundation for so many things.
Bye and thanks again,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's good to see you. No need to apologise, that’s one of the great things about blogging is that we can do it in our own time which can be quite different from all the other things we have to do in life. Thanks for your comments and thoughts.
I love how you have put this so succinctly:
That’s just how I feel.
I agree:
That was another reason why I wrote this post as I think that is something to acknowledge.
Congrats to us all!!
Tracy
Comment by Jessicca
Health 2 Know
Learning Something Everyday
Daily History
Malaysia Found
Happy Orble birthday! I can't remember when mine was created... hm.. I'd better go check!
Great to see everyone still strong with Orble after a year!
Have a blessed week ahead.
Jessicca
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thank-you, it's good to see you. The year has flown, when is yours?
Byeeee
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I love reading your work and your subjective insights are always well thought out. Your taste in movies is superb and I enjoy the choices you make.
Thanks so much for the mention in the text and I raise my silver chalice in salute of "Movies and Life" and what it will achieve in the next year.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I find your blog one of the most insightful on Orble - you have so much to say about the themes you touch on and say it with such intelligence that I have no choice but to come back...
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
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Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
You are so kind! I am glad that we are able to hang out at each other's place!
Mis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments, they are really appreciated. I could reverse what you said about me to how I feel about your writing and film choices:
Thank-you your support and inspiration, I’m raising my chalice in salute of you, me, Orble, films and all Orblers....it's been a great year.
Cheeers
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's great to see you, how was your holiday?
Thank-you for such kind words, they are huge compliments that I will cherish...
Thank-you
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, I don't know how I haven't met you, John or Bryn yet! Must be this year that it's meant to happen....
Thanks for your birthday wishes,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
That was the best!!
Thank-you for all your kind words throughout the year,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's always good to see you and you're always welcome!
Tracy
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics