Yep, I'm an Anglophile

It’s no secret that I’m an anglophile. I adore a great many cultural and historical aspects of English or British life. I’m fascinated with the literature, art, architecture, TV programming, films and music of this realm that some of my ancestors hailed from. This hasn’t made me an expert of English culture, by any means. It’s just made me a keen observer of our “friends” across the pond.

Recently, I watched multiple hours of some British television shows as well as some American television with British actors, and I’ve come away admiring their use of language even more.

1.     I find their language vivid and colorful. And no, I’m not talking about their more common use of crude words here. I just mean that they use words with more depth, clarify and significance, and I like that mental stimulation. I like watching programs that make me consult a dictionary afterwards to make sure I know how to adopt a word into my own vocabulary.

2.     I love the variety of English accents. I’m no Professor Henry Higgins. I’m not even going to attempt to determine anyone’s origins myself, but I certainly like the diversity I hear. OK, I know, that according to the Brits, I’m the one with the accent since after all, our common language originated on their shore.

3.     I enjoy the British sense of humor. OK, sometimes I don’t quite get it all, but with a wee bit of practice, I think I’m getting a tad quicker – maybe just a smidgeon.

4.     I am struck with how many British actors are on American TV today and doing well with covering up their British accent. I love it. I just personally wish they got to be British more. I recently watched Andrew Lincoln in a BBC crime drama on Netflix. He was wonderful. A few weeks later, I was encouraged to start watching The Walking Dead, and the contrast made me chuckle. Here is this brilliant British actor now playing a U.S. Georgia sheriff on a television show, and his Southern gentlemanly charm is believable for the most part.

Damian Lewis is another amazing British actor, who has taken on American accents for several different films and TV shows. I just finished the second season of Homeland, and he does a remarkable and convincing job of playing U.S. Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody.

Catching up on TV

I’ve spent a lot of time on my couch lately - resting, relaxing and attempting to keep my coughing to a minimum. Yep, I’m back doing battle with another sinus infection, and I’ve had a few days where I’ve done little else. To further complicate matters, my prescriptions meds made sleep nearly impossible, and so I’ve had a lot of time on my hands. So while I’ve been in my pjs and cuddling with my Snuggie, I’ve managed to watch a lot of TV and clear some needed DVR space. It makes me laugh that catching up on some TV programs has made me feel like I’ve accomplished something…but so it has.

DEXTER: I’ve been a fan of this show from the beginning, and while season 7 wasn’t my favorite season, the writers kept things interesting for me. I felt that Dexter was more raw and full of emotion than ever before. He was less polished and not as seemingly “in control” like he has been in the past.

DOCTOR WHO: I just finished Season 4 (Tenth Doctor) on Netflix and am now officially done with the David Tennant years (sniffle, sniffle). I totally resisted the change when Christopher Eccleston left and was replaced by Tennant, but I somehow became a weeping madwoman during Tennant’s last performance. I love how TV shows can touch us and connect us like they do.

HOMELAND: I got caught up with season 2. I love this show. The acting is incredible, but the writing is sublime. It’s probably the one of the best-written dramas on cable today, and so I was glad to see that the series picked up 3 Golden Globes.

THE WALKING DEAD: I was encouraged by several friends to check this program out, and so I dove in. This show is intense, and that’s putting it mildly. It’s a nail-biter drama with each person struggling to stay alive from one moment to the next. I’ve been hooked since episode 1.

Celebrating 12 Years of Bliss

I recently celebrated my 12th year anniversary with Madison. It's hard to believe that we've had 12 years together. It's been a big commitment. We have had our shares of ups and downs, but we've always made it through.

When we met, I knew we were meant to be together. Call it what you will - karma, fate, love at first sight - it was special. But I think even I didn't realize that we would last as long as we have. I think we're lucky that way. We've had all this time together, and I hope the bliss continues.

We've done a lot of traveling together. Road trips have always been our thing. We've been to the Carolinas a few times and visited the Biltmore Estate. We've spent time in the Smoky Mountains savoring the fresh mountain air and the scenic views. We've crossed Michigan's Mighty Mac (the Mackinac Bridge) and explored the shores of Lake Superior. We've taken day trips or weekend jaunts around Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, too.

Music has always been a big part of our relationship. We've listened to countless hours of tunes together. Madison has never seemed to mind that I sing, hum, whistle or channel my inner diva to whatever was playing. I've felt accepted just as I am, and that has been priceless.

Communication has been a huge part of our relationship's success. We are both adept at listening to one another. I've learned to listen and have come to understand Madison's quirks and idiosyncrasies, and in turn, Madison has become a dear confidante. Madison is an excellent keeper of secrets.

Yes, we have a special bond - one that few people understand. But Madison (aka Maddy) has been there for me through thick and thin, through bad weather and sunshine, through rough gravel and smooth pavement. She's been my rock and probably the best purchase I've ever made. No regrets!

Happy 12th year anniversary, Maddy! You're the best car ever! Love ya!

OK, so I know most people celebrate anniversaries for marriage, employment or service, etc. And perhaps most people don't celebrate their anniversaries with their cars, but I do. This is the longest commitment of my life so far, and I'm proud of it. That car has been there when I needed her, and I'm glad she's still with me! Now we might not get 12 more years together, but I'll take all the time I can get.

When Life Hands You Lemons...

You're supposed to make lemonade or so they say.

But I don't like lemonade. It's just not my thing. Don't get me wrong. I love lemon stuff. Lemon drops, lemon meringue pie, lemon sauce or pretty much anything else with lemon in it. Just not lemonade.

I especially LOVE lemon squares, and so I'd like to paraphrase what they say:

When life hands you lemons, make lemon squares!