Vertigo Ramblings

 I awoke with vertigo, which causes one to feel as if they are on a fast merry-go-round. My husband experienced vertigo bouts when we lived in Saudi Arabia, and we learned the Epley Maneuver to treat it. My husband helped me with the maneuver, but I still feel dizzy and nauseous. After resting, I decided to watch a movie, since that seemed easier than reading or checking my phone. 

We watched Meet Me in St. Louis, a delightful 1945 movie. Everything about the movie is gorgeous--the set, the house, the wallpaper, the costumes, and lighting. It just feels warm and comforting. There are so many hilarious one-liners. I love all the characters--from the bloodthirsty little Trudy to eccentric Grandpa. I felt much happier after watching the movie. 

Lately, I crave entertainment that is slow-paced, gentle, humorous with low-stakes conflict. I watched It's a Wonderful Life for the first time in December. I avoid it for 48 years because it seemed like a boring movie but I was WRONG. It was a delightful movie that made me cry. I loved George's big-hearted goodness. I loved Mary's steadfastness. It is definitely going on my annual watch list. 

Speaking of movie classics I have not seen before, I watched Stand by Me for the first time. For some reason, I thought it would be a scary film, which is why I avoided it. Instead it was about adolescence, changing, childhood, nostalgia, and youth. It felt true the way the best art does. Stand By Me definitely warrants a rewatch.

The Man in the Iron Mask with Leonardo DiCaprio was terrible. The mix of accents (American, British, French) was jarring to say the least. I had such a hard time taking Leonardo DiCaprio seriously. John Malkovich's delivery was so flat and stilted, which did not play well with Jeremy Irons, Gerard Depardiu, or Gabriel Brynes. If the Americans had been removed from the film, it would have been better. When I watch a historical film, I want consistent accents and a cast that works together. Not whatever that monstrosity was. 

Anyhow, here is my gratitude list for today:

1. My Denman brush because it makes my scalp and hair feel so good. 

2. Hot baths in my soaking tub. 

3. Time with my family.

4. A restful day. 

5. Nice lotion and soft socks.