Nice Day For A White Wedding

These are a few pictures from my friend Ann Marie's wedding reception. It was at the Garden Park Ward (where Allen & I had our engagement pictures done) and it was lovely. They looked so happy, and I am very happy for them. Congratulations, Anna Maria! We did go see "Angels & Demons" on Friday. I really liked it. Most movies based on books I enjoy don't live up to my expectations, but this one actually did. Of course, they changed a few details, and I wish they had followed the book a little more closely toward the end, but in general it was very faithful to the novel--a good thing, because it is one of very few books to which I would give the prestigious M4-totally-awesome-book-I-can't-put-down-5-star-golden-platypus award. Although Dan Brown is an excellent storyteller, there are just some things that need to be visual: Bernini's statues, the churches, St. Peter's square, etc. For what it is, I was very impressed. Ewan McGregor as the Camerlengo was my favorite character in the movie, although he probably should have worked with a linguist a bit more; Italian men usually don't have Scottish accents. I liked what A.O. Scott of the N.Y. Times said about him: "Mr. McGregor has a fine time playing a wide-eyed Irish Obi-Wan with a wee bit of a messiah complex." I don't particularly agree with his review, but I do like to read how other people see things. Even so, if you haven't read the book, I suggest you do so--then you'll want to see the movie. "Lost in Austen" concluded tonight. I liked it, and I'll probably like it more if/when I see it again (Allen in now on the look-out for the DVD). It is a kind of alternate universe for Jane Austen fans, but it is fun. There are some funny moments, like when Mrs. Bennett tells off Lady Catherine, and Mr. Bennett is duly impressed. I think the best is when Amanda asks Darcy to do something for her: And here are Mr. Darcy and Miss Price dancing at Netherfield. She gets totally drunk and knees Mr. Collins where the sun doesn't shine. Good times! Watch it if you can! In other news, Benji took a little step yesterday; I was tempting him with the remote in order to get him to walk. He's so close, and it's so exciting! I love this boy! I have been rather unfair to Allen in the past few posts; I hope you all know how much I love him. He is a very good man, and I'm very lucky to have found him. We don't always get along, mostly when I'm tired and moody, but he is my best friend. I can't tell you how much he has blessed my life. Thanks for your comments on my last entry. I appreciate your votes of confidence, even if I may have a hard time believing them. I love you all!