THE BIG DIG

The pool digging has begun! We are WAY behind in schedule.....but we are finally to the point where the machines were out today. The digging is done and tomorrow the re-bar will be in place. They tell us it will be 5-6 weeks before it is finished and we can jump in. It will be just in time for summer. Yippeee!

DUCHESS RETURN

We finally fixed the computer issue, or I should say Pops finally fixed the computer issue. I feel like I’m way behind in telling my story. I have lots to update on the blog. Most importantly, I have 5 film reviews I need to write!! I can’t promise I’ll finish all of them…

The exciting news is that this week the DVD releases are going to be great with more to come later this month. That could potentially put me further behind in writing reviews—if I’m watching instead of writing.

I can’t decide where to start….I’m just going to start writing and see what comes up first.

p.s. I guess by now everyone knows that FB changed their minds about trying out their new policy. I'm glad they're listening.

NO COMPUTER, NO FUN

I was doing SO well keeping up with my posts...and then...the internet connection went wrong. We're still in the middle of computer glitches. I'll post regularly as soon as I can. I may have to visit the local coffee shop for a 'hot spot' connection. Issues!

NEW INTERNET LAW??

I’m watching ‘The View’ this morning. They are talking about the new Facebook ‘terms’ in which Facebook takes every right from each of their members who have an account with them—now and forever more (even when you remove your page). ‘The View’ ladies said Facebook now has the right to use your photos, words, ANYTHING you post belongs to them. As in, it’s their property to do with whatever they wish…sell, use for their purposes, reproduce, etc.

I’ve been reading blogs where ladies are upset their work is being copied, infringed upon, etc. However, in this instance, you are basically GIVING FB everything you post. It’s in the legal fine print. So even if your friend posts a picture of you (you don’t post it yourself) it belongs to FB. If you post a poem, it belongs to FB if they so choose….on and on…

The scary thing is: As of their posting, Facebook is creating their own internet law, and enforcing it to each of their members—who by the way, are most likely under the age of 18. Parents beware!! Especially if they are planning on running for political office, or planning any sort of media related profession.

Is it better for them to tell us they own everything, or is it better to post and take your chances of someone taking your posted items without permission? Either way, legal proceedings to protect your rights will be costly.

I’ll say this—When you are deciding what to post, keep the cherished items close to your heart. Otherwise, you may lose them to someone you don’t know.

Duchess note: I haven’t personally read the new terms. I only heard what ‘The View’ read from the documents they had printed for the segment this morning. If you have more information, please share! I will modify my post accordingly.

REEL REVIEW

“CHIIIICCCKK FLIIIICCCKK” most definitely. Ladies, no need to let any man you know see this one. He will most likely think it’s cheesy, predictable, and will most certainly tease you about it for days. Men don’t understand why women like these films---it’s that Mars and Venus thing. He may enjoy it, but I wouldn’t chance it—just enjoy the film.

It’s a fairly common story about accidental love. There’s a sweet peek inside a great relationship shared between two long time friends. You’ll also gaze into the difficult work of healing relationships. Critics complained that Gere and Lane don’t quite heat up the screen on this one. Well, they’re right, maybe 20 and 30 somethings won’t be very excited about the simple love scenes between ‘older’ stars. Still, they create a charming, sweet, romantic relationship together. Despite what the critics had to say, Gere and Lane are two of my favorites, so I wasn’t going to miss it. And—who doesn’t like a love story by the beach??

It’s a great movie for those nights when you’re looking to watch something simple (as in no brainer, not simple subject matter). It’s the perfect film for that spontaneous ladies night with your friends---when the men aren’t around---and you get to share a few glasses of wine or tea, a little gossip and a low-maintenance movie. Definitely have the Kleenex box out for all to share!

*duchess*

LOVE DAY!

Happy Valentine's Day.

This is a photo I took in front of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts last summer while I was visiting the unique city. I saw the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit while I was there. Great fashion!

There's something I love about the shape of hearts. It makes me smile.

Celebrate love today!

*duchess*

GLOOMY DAY

We’re experiencing quite a fog here in Texas this morning. It’s burned off a bit, but still gloomy. Funny thing is, I’m feeling a little gloomy myself. I have a heavy heart today. Yes, the day before Valentine’s Day. There are many reasons for the gloomy feeling which perhaps I’ll post about another time, but most heavy on my heart is that my mother-in-law just called from the nursing home. She is terribly lonely. I hate that she is feeling this way--for weeks now. She is practically bed ridden due to her Parkinson’s Disease. She hates being trapped in her body. I could go on, but being that this blog belongs to the world, I shouldn’t.

Pray for those feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day!

*duchess*