wide open spaces

She needs wide open spaces

Room to make her big mistakes

She needs new faces

She knows the high stakes

To find a dream and a life of her own

A place in the clouds a foundation of stone

wide open spaces

{dixie chicks}

comedy

Last weekend I went to see the movie "The Other Guys" with my parents and brothers. We lasted about 45 minutes before walking out and it has caused me to think a lot about comedy and the state of our country/world. I hope you all haven't seen it, and I won't repeat any of the jokes or quotes from the movie here, but I think most people know the basic point or have seen a similar movie. {Think "Talladega Nights"} I found everything about this movie incredibly offensive, and just sad really. Do being mean to people, swearing every other word and disrespecting women actually constitute good comedy these days? I don't find that funny at all. I was actually shocked by all the people in our theatre who laughed so hard. Can we really be in a good place when this is what we find funny? We should be bothered by these things, like the way the men talk to each other, the language they use, and the awful way Will Ferrell treats his wife in the movie. I think it's interesting to note that Ferrell's character seems to be pretty nice to everyone, except his wife. The whole thing was disgusting and, frankly, disappointing. I think I have a pretty good sense of humor, but the "jokes" in this movie were uncalled for. When I see this movie getting overall positive reviews I don't know what to think. I think there is a place for teasing and joking, but there's a line of what is appropriate. It doesn't take much creativity or talent to make jokes like those in this movie, and, beyond being offensive, I thought they were just plain stupid.

I realize that "The Other Guys" is comedy, satire, a spoof- not meant to depict real-life, and I don't want to overestimate the influence of one movie on the way people behave; but what are we teaching teenagers with things like this? Sadly, this movie shows behavior that can be seen in a lot of entertainment these days and that has me concerned. People aren't bothered by it, but they darn well should be. I suggest we make more attempts at smart comedy, and perhaps we could show some respect and decency in the way we treat others, even if it's just in silly movies, because if we accept these things in entertainment I wonder how often or long it will be until we accept them in everyday life.

dream

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to 

reach for the stars 

to change the world." 

~Harriet Tubman~

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. 

Explore. Dream. Discover."

~Mark Twain~

overrated

I would like to share my opinion that 

California "Gurls" are {highly} overrated. 

There should really be a song about Colorado girls.

All summer I have been wanting to create my own. 

{Think I need a hobby?}

I found a couple versions on YouTube, and while they have some potentially offensive parts, there are some real winning lines too. 

Here are a few lines that I found entertaining {and appropriate to share"}:

{This song can be heard at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0_KFUSqsUQ)

"These the type of girls that you can take home to your mommy. You can sit and kick it with 'em but they still know how to party. You can take 'em anywhere just treat 'em right."

"Colorado girls so many different types- farm girls, mountain girls, burb girls, city girls, black, white, brown, yellow- all so pretty girls"

"No caked makeup, we're naturally beautiful"

"We're a mile high up and there's nobody above"

"Every girl stacked, yeah all the girls fine"

"Colorado girls pretty, all your girls iffy"

"Box state girls real, no fakin 'em out"

"Round the world there's a lot of ladies, but not like in Colorado baby"

{The following video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYGpelWYFx0}

"Colorado girls we're insurmountable,

Lace your hiking boots and fill your Nalgene up"

My absolute favorite part says: 

"Colorado girls know how to spell girls"

{This is a shot from the video}

There's lots of good parts in this video, but you might have to be from Colorado to enjoy them

Now a shout out for my girls in Utah!

A "Utah Girls" song could be sweet. 

I haven't seen one yet, but it could be pretty darn funny.

You girls should probably start working on one :)

pura vida

My family recently spent a lovely vacation in Costa Rica {July 10-15}. 

Everything was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the people were delightful. 

At Manuel Antonio National Park

A couple of sloths in a tree. 

They move soooo slowly!

A cute lounging monkey

The beaches were beautiful

Sisters :)

This beach was pretty crowded with lots of Ticos

A pretty waterfall

My papa and our guide, Diego 

Pura Vida, my friends!