Alas, all the world's a stage...or maybe a deck.

Why, hello my friends. Yes, yes I'm still alive and well. In a matter of speaking.

Since we've been home from vacay, my time and attention has been commandeered by, wait for it - the house. I can't even remember what the hell project I wrote about last, but now the project whittling away my time is an impending second story deck. Many hours have been devoted to online research of decking materials, checking references of contractors and bidding out the materials. Fun times to be had all around. But if all goes as well as planned (I hear the echoing chortle, Internet...and I share your amusement.), we'll have a deck by Thanksgiving. Just in time for the haze to clear out, and the million dollar views of the mountains to appear from the mist.

And then the stars at night.

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Apart from that, this is the annual season where I pine for Tivo. All the of the new series premiered this week (along with my beloved House - Oh, Hugh I do so miss you when you're gone...sob) and I can't possibly keep up with them all. Recappers cover all of that territory far better than I do, but I have to squeal about the one standout amongst them all: Life. Holy shit, I don't think I've seen something premiere this strongly since West Wing. Well performed, good DP, fantastic writing and easily one of the more original series I've seen. I can only pray it doesn't go the way of last year's favorite son, Kidnapped. Considering how low profile the press junket has been, I am tentatively getting attached to this one. Oh, and Reka: your boy Adam Arkin has a cameo role in it, squee!

Also one the horizon and eagerly anticipated: New Amsterdam.

Also looks like a phenomenal film season coming this fall. Based on early reviews and trailers, those definitely rating full price admission are: Lust and Caution, the new Ang Lee; Lions for Lambs, Redford's new opus and reunion with Meryl (I had to cross my legs upon hearing this news); The Brave one with Jodie Foster and the delectable Naveen Andrews (if only for a moment); Darjeeling Limited, Wes Anderson's new one; Elizabeth The Golden Age with the incomparable Cate Blanchett and (oh happy day) Clive Owen; Michael Clayton, George Clooney and Tilda Swinton....gah, I can go on and on. Very much looking forward to Oscar season.

Hmmm...not a lot to add here and now. Except, iMDB has revealed that Damian Lewis is actually English! I sense another player on the stage of my affections. But don't despair, dear Hugh....for now (at least) you're first.

photo courtesy iMDB/WireImage

Comments

[Reka Jellema]

I came over to see if you're okay...My mom is a Red Cross Disaster Relief volunteer and is probably going to spend Thanksgiving working with victims of the fires in So. Cal. Are you and your family all right?

Also, on a pop culture note, I will have to take a look at "Life." Well, I'll probably wait until it comes out on DVD. I just watched the first season of 30 Rock and I have a girl crush on Tina Fey. I, too, want to see the new Ang Lee movie. I had mistakenly thought it to be directed by someone else who had worked with Tony Leung before. What?! Redford and Streep, together again? Count me in! And Jodi Foster and Naveen Andrews? Can't wait. The English Patient is one of my favorite movies ever. And I'm a recent convert to "Lost." And I love Jodi. Or is it Jody? Regardless.

I've seen Damian Lewis in other stuff (PBS stuff) and while he's a terrific actor, so far I haven't found him attractive. But I'm willing to withhold judgment...

xx Reka