Sometimes I'm the butterfly, sometimes the...

I feel stunted these days. I struggle to come up with writings that I want to share. We continue to plod our way through all the films nominated for Oscars. We have reached the point where we will begin watching those films we would not seek out if they were not nominated.

We will have the chance to see all the animated and live action shorts- with no sign of documentaries long or short popping up. We did manage to see one of the nominated documentaries "If a Tree Falls" at the Traverse City Film Festival. It was good. Several theaters are hosting Oscar best picture marathons usually over two days. On Oscar day a view select theaters are hosting all 9 pictures over 24 hours! Now that is my idea of fun, I would go see all of the 8 I have already seen if I could do it that way! Indianapolis is not one of those cities. We host the Super Bowl but don't rate the Oscar marathon. Guess which event I would have preferred? (I think I'm kidding, I am proud of how the Super Bowl hosting is playing out.)

All that said I have two very lovely treats for you. The first is a movie I stumbled upon as I am trying to rebuild my blog favorites (new computer). You can watch "The Butterfly Circus" here.

It is only 20 minutes. Grab a drink, take the time to make some popcorn and gather your loved ones or feel happy in your own company, and watch this film.
Appropriate for everyone.

Then when you are loving the art of film and are not quite ready to walk away go to this site. Continue munching that popcorn while you are treated to a festival of previews of nominated films. Years ago a theater chain did a free showing of dozens of previews of summer films (best trailer ever was the Stallone film "Cliffhanger" with its magical use of opera music). This is just about that much fun. You get to watch not only Best Picture previews, but Best Screenplay and Actor and... go have some fun! Hubby looks to the screenplay nominations for his hidden gems. Me, I just like the movies. I don't read reviews or check Metacritic or Rotten Tomatoes. I do love a good preview. I am very picky about my previews- I would prefer not to learn the ending of the movie from the preview. I would like to discover surprises watching the film not the trailer (just watched the trailer to "The Beginners" again and find myself anxious to see it again). I am so loving watching these trailers. I have seen many of these movies throughout the year but watching these trailers is just making me happy-hope they do the same for you (OK, now I'm laughing at the "Bridesmaids" trailer.

If you just made your popcorn in the microwave while you just added several movies to your NetFlix que, well then it is time to upgrade your popcorn methodology. If you love movie style popcorn then this is the popper for you:

Some Crisco butter sticks,local popcorn (we stock up by the gallon jugs at a local farmer's market) and with some generous shakes of salt come together with this popper to make theater worthy bowls of one of the world's perfect foods. Yum - thinking of making some right this minute.

If you don't relish the idea of using Crisco sticks then think about this popper. Adorable to look at and it makes up some very tasty popcorn. I spray it with butter flavored Pam so the salt will stick. Maybe I will make some popcorn with this one instead (yes, we have and use both).

You can find both of these wonderful poppers here, at Target.com.

I am off to make popcorn and finish watching trailers. Some days are just perfect that way.

Happy viewing and joyful snacking.

Be well.