Enjoy Fall in the Rockies

Art Print, Colorado Fall Dream by Judith D'Agostino, Final Size: 40 in X 32 in

Amazon Price: $85.00 (as of 05/31/2012)

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

by: Grace Lin

Amazon Price: $8.19 (as of 05/31/2012)

Under a full harvest moon, a Chinese American family unpacks their car, sets out a drop cloth and lanterns, and enjoys fruit, moon cakes, and tea at a "nighttime picnic." They honor the mid-autumn moon with moments of quiet thanks and private wishes as they celebrate the traditional Chinese holiday with other families. In an appended note, author Lin describes the thanksgiving tradition, citing moon stories and explaining the symbolism of round-shaped cups, fruit, and lanterns. For younger children, the slender narrative provides just enough of an introduction; for school-age children, the author's note provides a cultural context. Objects mentioned in the narrative are easily identified in the vivid gouache illustrations. Luminous faces reflect the brightness of the full moon, casting light in the dark night. A beautiful, welcome choice for multicultural studies, this also adds diversity to autumnal thanksgiving themes. Preschool-Grade 3.

Fall [VHS]

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/31/2012)

Eric Schaeffer's follow up to "If Lucy Fell" (1996) has a maturity to it entirely different than "Lucy." While Lucy was more of a juicy romantic comedy, Fall, which is not lacking in the laugh department, is a far more serious character study/analysis of an improbable romance and the effect it has on each of the parties involved in it.

Schaeffer always seems to be playing himself in his films (or at least always the same character) which is fine by me. I always enjoy his work and his welcome combination of superego, no-nonsense directness and comic brilliance.

As supermodel Sarah, Ms. deCadenet gives a strong performance, slowly yielding, then coming 'round the bend and surprising herself by truly falling for Schaeffer's character, the charming cab driver, Michael. But true to her word, she ends up breaking not only Michael's heart, but her own as well.

As always with an adulterous affair, things are bound to get messy and they do. The acceptance of the affairs ultimate resolution by both characters is handled better than most romantic movies - a genre, I admittedly have little tolerance for. Unless its an Eric Schaeffer "romance" of course!

A quite remarkable little movie.

Marriott Gift Card

Amazon Price: $100.00 (as of 05/31/2012)

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