For days now I’ve been averting my eyes at first notice of movie reviews when the words “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” or “Cold Mountain” appear. I’ve been stung many times before, the impressions of others tainting my movie-watching affairs, so now I’ve finally learned to ignore all writings in favor of my own experience. If you haven’t yet watched the two films mentioned above, LOOK AWAY! Consider yourself forewarned…

Return of the King: Dying to see this finale of the superb Tolkien trilogy before Christmas, my husband and I waited in line for over an hour (which is nothing compared to the Kerns & Koenigs, I mean, uh, die-hard fans) with previously-purchased tickets clutched tightly in hand. The movie was fabulous. Easily one of the best movies of the year and definitely the most fulfilling movie experience I’ve had, well, maybe ever. The thing is, I love these characters. My chest swelled with pride at Theoden, arousing his army to war; this was also the first of many moments tears threatened to spill onto my cheeks. I breathlessly anticipated Eowyn’s defeat of the Nazgul — and was a little disappointed that her fabulously amazing lines were cut short. In the novels, my favorite lines are Eowyn’s response to the Nazgul King’s taunt, “Thou fool. No living man may hinder me!” To which the brave lady replies, “But no living man am I! You look upon a woman. Eowyn I am, Eomund’s daughter. You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” Booyah! I’d name my first daughter Eowyn if I could… Sigh. Back to the movie… My hat is off to all involved in creating the city of Minas Tirith — it was incredible, far more perfect than what my puny imagination envisioned. The signal fire scene was superb and quite stunning as well. I could go on and on, but I’d need to see the movie again to do it justice. Lastly, I really loved the ending. I’ve heard a few complaints at the hobbits return to the Shire (which I oddly enough did not like in the book, but adored in the film) and at Sam’s return to his family’s hobbit hole. Loved it, loved it, loved it. The lines about Sam “being whole” left me satisfied at the knowledge of Frodo sailing to the Undying Lands. And the music at the end, leading into the credits? Made me want to weep. I could almost cry now just thinking about it. What do I think of this movie? Extremely satisfying.

Cold Mountain: I picked up this novel from the library a few months ago. Sadly, it sat on my shelf and was returned unread. But come on? Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Renee Zellweger, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman and Giovanni Ribisi? I don’t need to be asked twice to see this one. The acting was fantastic. At one point I almost laughed out loud thinking that Kidman, an Australian, and Law, a Brit, were playing great Southerners. Nicole is, as always, incredibly beautiful and Jude Law is, well, let’s just say that even if this flick was horrible, I wouldn’t exactly consider it “suffering” to watch his his face for two and a half hours. He’s a hottie. But the movie wasn’t horrible, even though much of it’s focus was. The miserable aspects of this film, the truths of war and a war-torn land, might leave one in despair if not for the redemptive aspects of the movie. But the redemption, found in true love and beauty, justice and creation, make the journey worthwhile. It’s a tale that made my soul ache, resounding and captivating in it’s conclusion. Renee Zellweger’s Ruby was loads of fun, helping to balance the darkness with a little levity. Hoffman also was excellent, albeit disturbing. Overall, the movie was great and I really enjoyed it. (I did not, however, enjoy the middle aged ladies behind me who were, out loud, urging Inman to “Kill him! Kill him!” Call me crazy, but their outcries did little to make me feel like I was in Cold Mountain, North Carolina, and a lot to remind me that I was at East Park’s five o’clock matinee.)

Tonight was an evening of blessed relief, much needed down time among the daily grind and holiday hustle and bustle. Turning off the television was just the thing my overloaded heart needed. Quiet, to get back to my Rock and Fortress, to rediscover my Strength. John Piper’s Future Grace for guidance and perspective. Gingerbread cookies (my white elephant take-home) for creativity and my ever present desire for productivity. Over the Rhine’s Ohio for an inspiring, melodic salve. www.sommerwaite.com for the joy of a new talent, a new album and a new endeavor. Tonight I am wishing all of my friends a beautiful, restful, truthful Christmas. To God be all glory and praise in this season of His Son’s birth.

When do you feel most alive, most like yourself???

I’ve had these strange joint pains for the past several months. For no apparent reason I have often awoken to two or three swollen fingers and quite a bit of joint pain in my hands and feet. In the Tredway household fingers are at a premium! So it’s pretty important that my hands function correctly. (We joke around about my diabetes control — saying that I’d better watch the ole blood sugars so I don’t have neuropathy later in life. My fingers are important!)

Last week I received a forwarded email (usually I throw such things away) regarding the dangers of Nutrasweet. Now, I’ve heard all sorts of anti-Nutrasweet arguments before from many well-intention friends and my chiropractor’s office. I ignored them thinking, I already have diabetes… Let me live a little! Afterall, I do highly value Diet Coke and Diet Mountain Dew. But in the midst of unexplicable joint pain, I read the email and took it seriously. I did a little internet research on artificial sweetners and made an immediate decision to cut all ties with Nutrasweet.

Today is Day Six of my experiment. I got out of bed and walked without foot pain for the first time in quite awhile. I haven’t had any new finger aches since going cold turkey. I figure I need to give this experiment a few solid weeks to make sure that Nutrasweet is the culprit. But for now, it’s adios to all my favorite diet beverages, lite yogurts, my sugar-free hot chocolate packets and the notion of sweetening coffee or tea (with fake sugar, that is). Guess I’ll be drinking more water. Water’s good… Really…

I made my first ever successful recipe on Tuesday afternoon. No, no, no… I can tell already that you don’t understand. Read my lips: I am NOT a cook. I do not particularly enjoy cooking, especially when I have just come in the door from work. Also, I come from a family of male chefs… For some odd reason, the Lawton men are quite impressive in the kitchen. But me? Just not interested. So it is with great gusto and cheer that I present to you, dear reader, the first ever recipe from the kitchen of Rebecca Lawton Tredway. It might be the last, too. Who knows when such inspiration will strike again?

Simple Chicken & Rice Soup

5-6 c water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1-2 frozen chicken breast halves
1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
— oregano
— parsley
1-2 c cauliflower florets
3/4 c chopped carrots
1/2 c white rice

Add water, bouillon, chicken breasts, onion soup and seasonings to crockpot — set to high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours. One hour prior to mealtime, add vegetables to the crockpot and shred cooked chicken. Twenty minutes prior to mealtime, add 1/2 c white rice (I used basmati).

Voila! Easy and delicious homemade chicken soup created out of what you’ve got in your cupboards. If I can make it, anyone can. (Note: all measurements are estimates.)

I don’t care what anyone says… Helicopters noisily circling above a wedding is about the rudest, most anti-proper-etiquette measure I have ever witnessed. Even though Trista and Ryan’s vows didn’t blow me away, I would have liked to be able to hear them without the churn of copter blades in the background. Grrr…!!!

I now know that our darling Prairie Box is the bearer all of things drift-worthy. Leaves, trash, snow… you name it.

Being oh-so-smart, I chose to scoop the snow off our walks around 4:45pm — before the sun cast its final beams for the afternoon. As I cleaned up the back walkways and our front steps (thanks, Renae, for doing the sidewalk!) I noticed that our dear elderly neighbors were not shoveling. Normally Larry is out scooping away at the first opportunity. Choosing warmth over mercy, I didn’t give them another thought, put my shovel away and hurried indoors.

This morning I awoke to the vision of my labors covered in drifts only Frosty could dream of… my front porch bearing enough of the frozen crystals to match my front yard in depth. And Larry’s paths? Perfectly scooped in the way only 40 years of homeowning can accomplish. It was the wisdom of many Nebraska winters to wait until… what’s that? yup… the snow was done falling.

And drifting. Drifting over to my house, that is.

Today I am loving the Christmas season. I finished, for the most part, decorating our house with evergreens and lights. I feel like a wide-eyed little kid in my zeal for my Christmas tree — I just can’t get enough it! Days like this make me glad to be alive. It’s a good thing to bound out of bed in the morning, ready to conquer the day. I suppose it’s been awhile since I’ve approached the day so enthusiastically. It’s nice.