The Help

 Today I have the flu and have spent most of the night watching movies online in between bathroom runs.  I watched this movie in theaters with a group of women from my family and have wanted to watch it again since.  This was a great debut book from Kathryn Stockett.  I certainly loved reading it.  I was initially so angry about the fact that the film rights were bought before it had even been out a year.  Later I learned that the author's roommate is the director!  I love it when good friends work together.  That is the reason that this movie is THE BEST book-to-film that I have ever seen.  There are a few things I could pick at, but I won't even do it because it was so well done.  First, the performances by Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer were so inspiring.  They have actual connections to these maids.  Viola Davis said when asked about how she prepared for this role: "My grandmother was a maid, all of my aunts were maids!" It is just about a time that is not too distant. 

I was also so pleased with Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook.  Hilly is a villain.  In the book, as well as the movie, you just hate her.  Bryce did an amazing job.  In fact, when I first found out that she was cast I was so sad.  I really wanted Anne Hathaway to be the villain so I could hate her without anyone asking why.  However, after the movie I said to my mom, "It is a good thing that Anne Hathaway wasn't in it.  I would have hated her no matter what she did with the role.  Bryce is an actress I like, and she MADE me hate her."

  

And finally, my favorite person in the movie brought a character to life for me.  Jessica Chastain was so amazing.  I think she is my new favorite actress.  She was so darling in the role as Celia Foote.  She was tough but charming and delicate.  I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but she had a few parts that just sold me.  I think she put 100% into expressing the character in every movement.

So here is to a great book and a great movie.  Emma Stone was asked what she thought was the number one thing people should take from this movie.  Without a breath she emphatically said, "Courage!"  I completely agree. 

Right place Right time

What a wonderful life I live.  As you all know by now,  I suddenly got a job at a preschool in Salt Lake City.  It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but I am in the groove now.  Without details, I just set up snacks, different centers, take pottiers, change diapers etc for two year old kids.  I love it.  I don't want to do it forever, but I think I will be here for a year or two.  So that is work. 

Now on to life.  Well, nine months in Europe pretty much wipes you out financially, so my choices of where to look for work were limited to Boise and Salt Lake (free rent).  I really did try to make Boise work.  I love it there and I have great friends and family there. And honestly, I pray all the time that Lindsey and I can live in the same town again someday, as I do with all you girls.  For some reason, it just wouldn't work out.  And, my heart wasn't in it.  I think I just knew I would be safe there. 

So I get this time to be near SHANNA!! She is the best and I love her. And Anna, and Sofia, the most beautiful baby in the world.  Seriously.  Except she always smells like puke. 

As soon as I moved here, I just felt like I was where I am supposed to be.  It is so much more than a mental thing. It is just my privilege at this time to feel so whole and connected.  Everything feels like it is exactly the right place at the right moment.  I feel the chi all around me.  Every step I take is happiness.  When I run, I just have so much more energy.  I have no trouble sleeping (a first for me).  I am just so grateful to be me.  To be Megan Whitlock.  More than ever, I feel like I was supposed to struggle through this past year so I could learn serenity and happiness.  Often I think, "Italy was so much harder than this.  I can do this."  I can't describe it.  I will probably blab more to get my point across.  I wish I could imprint this feeling onto something tangible so you might all know.  But I am sure that you have all felt the same, so all of this really isn't necessary.  So here is to a new chapter, as I like to call it.  I can't wait to see what it brings.