The Blind Side
Director:
Starring: Sandra Bullock

The Blind Side is based the true story of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy who take in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael "Big Mike" Oher. Michael has never known his father and his mother has had drug related problems and is unable to take care of him.  Michael has had little formal education, however shows great promise in football and he is given a chance to attend school to play sport if he can keep his grades up.  Leigh Anne (played by Sandra Bullock) does everything she can to support him, welcoming him into her family home, arranging for him to have tutoring lessons and supporting him with his football.

What I love most about this movie, is seeing Michael blossom and grow, while living in this loving and nurturing environment.  When given a chance to feel safe and supported – he is also given a chance to be and express who he truly is.

The Bridge Across Forever
written by Richard Bach

On the surface, The Bridge Across Forever is a modern-day fairytale based on the real life relationship of Richard Bach and actor Leslie Parrish, however it is much deeper than it first appears.  The book explores the concept of soulmates, commitment and marriage.  When Richard meets Leslie he is forced to face his fears of intimacy and finds out what it really means to share all of himself with one person – the vulnerability and courage this takes – as well as the ultimate rewards.

I found this book was like a mirror and I couldn’t help but look at myself and my own relationships and journey as I followed along with Richards.  Very deep and meaningful. 

Julie and Julia
Director: Nora Ephron
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams

Julie and Julia intertwines the true stories of two women with a shared love for cooking - Julia Childs, a celebrated chef and Julie Powell, a blogger who decides to cook her way through Julia Child's cookbook in 365 days.

Julia Childs discovered her love of cooking during the 40's and 50's when she moved with her husband to Paris for work. While devoted to her husband, she found herself at a bit of a loose end and eventually found a love for cooking when she took professional cooking classes. Through a series of chance meetings she ends up involved in writing a French cookbook for American readers - a feat which takes her many years and leads her to a fabulous career as a chef.

Meanwhile the movie switches back and forth to the life of Julie Powell in contemporary Queens who, feeling lost and disillusioned with her non-career as a writer, has decided to cook her way through Julia Child's famous cookbook - cooking over 400 recipes in 365 days and blogging about it each day. Julie's struggle with her life and the struggle of her husband coping with her challenge is obvious in her portion of the film.

I found the way both women were looking for meaning in their lives and by focussing on something they loved were able to change their lives and, in a way, find themselves.

Meryl Streep is simply amazing as Julia and I loved the casting of Amy Adams as Julie as well. A great light hearted film.

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior
written by Dan Millman

After having already seen and loved the movie I was really looking forward to reading the book - and it didn't disappoint.

A cross between a true and fictional story of the life of Dan Millman, the lines between the two are often blurred and its hard to tell which part is fact and which part fiction... But I guess that is the point. It helps us to suspend the questioning in our mind just long enough to explore the possibility of something mystical and magical happening in our world.

What we do know is that Dan met his old mentor Socrates working in a gas station in the middle of the night, during a time in Dan's life when he was lost and looking for meaning - although he didn't really know it at the time.

Socrates seems to have magical powers and uses these at random opportunities to take Dan through a series of lessons based on his specialties - Paradox, Humor and Change. The book is injected with just the right amount of humour, intuition and love. Socrates knows just when to push Dan's button's to bring him to new level of understanding and just when to pull back and offer him support.

Dan's frankness and honesty about his feelings while going through is journey made the book totally relatable. I felt like I was going through it with him.

I was glad I had seen the movie first as it provided a great visual backdrop for me while reading the book. The book also covered many more years of Dan's life and went in to much greater detail.

Loved it!

Peaceful Warrior
Director: Victor Salva
Starring: Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, Amy Smart

Peaceful Warrior is based "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" an autobiographical novel by Dan Milman.

The movie covers the journey of young Dan, who is training to become an Olympic athlete, when he meets a man called "Socrates" in a service station at 3am one morning. This meeting changes his life. Socrates becomes his mentor and supports him through a life changing journey which changes his whole perspective and helps him to find the meaning in life.

The movie is a blend of fact and fiction which I think are cleverly used to show the personal growth and change Dan goes through.

I have watched this movie over and over and find it really helps me to refocus in difficult times. I highly recommend it if you are in the mood for some spiritual food.

The Alchemist
written by Paulo Coelho

More parable than novel, "The Alchemist" uses the story of young shepherd Santiago's search for his Personal Legend as a way to show our struggle to break free from the constrains of "normal" life and to follow our own path.

Along the way, Santiago faces many setbacks and challenges, all testing his resolve and, in effect, forcing him to stay on his path and become attuned to the Soul of the World in order to survive. By paying attention to the details in the world around him, which serve as omens guiding him towards his goal, young Santiago becomes an alchemist in his own right, spinning unfavorable circumstances into riches.

The Alchemist at first read, can come across as a bit of a simplistic tale - but if you really stop and listen for the true messages being given - it could be quite transformational.

The Legend of Bagger Vance
Director: Robert Redford
Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlise Theron

The Legend of Bagger Vance is the story of Rannulph Junah, a war veteran who has returned home in 1930 (during the depression) a broken man, who turns to alcohol, loses his girl and pretty much gives up on life.

Before he went away to war, Rannulph was a promising golfer and when his ex-girlfriend Adele decides to hold a huge golf tournament (to pay off the debts of her father who committed suicide during the depression) Rannulph is unconvinced.

This is when Bagger Vance arrives in his life, offering to be his caddy. Junah had been famous for his swing, but had sunk so low since his return he just couldn't get there.

Bagger's mission to help him find his "authentic swing" is much, much more than a story about the game of golf. The deep metaphor relates to the game of life and finding our inner connection.

Every time I watch this movie - I understand it on a whole new level. A very under-rated movie indeed.

Love You Forever
written by Robert N. Munsch

This popular children's booked by famed author Robert N. Munsch has become a world wide best seller having sold over 7 million copies.

Drawing on deep personal experiences from his own life - he has written this inspirational book about a mother's unconditional and never ending love for her children - especially through the tough times. And in turn the child returning that love and passing it on to their own children.

This book really makes you quite emotional - even if you didn't see it coming.

Enjoy!

Milk
Director: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franko

I didn't know what to expect when I sat down to watch Milk on the weekend, but I was totally captivated by the true story of Harvey Milk and his life long mission for gay rights in California.

Up until his 40th birthday Harvey Milk felt he had not done enough with his life and coinciding with meeting his long-time partner Scott Smith - they together decide to head to California to start a new adventure together. Moving to Castro, a known gay community, Milk is soon disillusioned with the discrimination he encounters and believes he can do much to help in the political arena. After gathering much local support, and many failed attempts, Milk becomes the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected to political office.

The film is set from 1972 to 1980 and I was honestly shocked at the open hostility and discrimination towards gays in this still quite recent era - including a statewide initiative to bar gays and their supporters from public school jobs. The sad thing is this type of discrimination is still going on to this day.

Sean Penn is simply amazing in the role of Harvey Milk. He is an extra-ordinary actor and portrays Harvey so well as a loving and caring man who totally believes in equal rights for everyone.

I can't wait to watch it again.

Gracie's Choice
written by Rena Dictor LeBlanc

This month's book of the month segment is a little different.

I want to share with you a true story about a young girl growing up in a large family, with a drug-addicted mother who can't properly care for the children - and her inspiring challenge to take on and raise the family herself.

You can read the original short story here: http://tr.im/qpbP

This story has also since been made into a TV movie called Gracie's Choice starring Anne Heche, Dianne Ladd and Kristen Bell.

Shawshank Redemption
Director: Frank Darabont
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman

.OK, OK - I know what you are probably thinking. Seriously - everyone picks Shawshank Redemption as one of their favourite movies. And I've heard on just a few dating sites this is most often the case (I can't remember who told me that... ha). But having said that - and on re-watching the movie just recently - there really is a reason for this.

Set in the 1940's - the story centres around Andy Dufresne, a young banker whose life changes drastically when he is wrongly convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover.

Sent to Shawshank Prison - a notoriously tough prison, he is forced to endure horrific treatment by not only other inmates but prison guards as well. Shortly into his term he forms a lasting friendship with Ellis Redding (Red) which helps him to survive his time in the prison.

Andy, fuelled by his innocence, shows true spirit and determination by continuing to believe in himself and his dreams. He never gives up hope. And hope is the one thing he has that no-one else can get to - no matter what the circumstances around him are.

The situation he was faced with was about as bad as it gets. Yet he didn't give up hope there was a better life for him. I definitely think this is something we can learn from and transfer over to our own challenges in life.

Mao's Last Dancer
by Li Cunxin

I have read a few books before on the lives and times of Chinese people during the Cultural Revolution lead by Chairman Mao and I am constantly amazed at the strength and fortitude the Chinese people showed in living through this unbelievable and extraordinary time.

This book is the story through the eyes of Li Cunxin, a young boy born to a peasant family with seven children living in a commune in Qingdao during the 1960's/70s. Cunxin always has a dream to "escape the well" of his life but doesn't even know what else is out there to wish for.

In a billion to one chance, he is chosen to become a part of Madame Mao's Ballet Academy and moves to Beijing to study among other things ballet, Beijing Opera and politics.

Cunxin goes on an amazing journey getting selected for a scholarship in the US and was the first student to leave China for a scholarship in over 40 years.

Cunxin tells the story in a really relatable way and despite the hardships he lived through helps you to see the joy he found in the simple things. I loved it!

Li Cunxin now lives in Melbourne Austraia.

Pay it Forward
Director: Mimi Leder
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment

.This one is an oldie but a goodie. If you haven’t already seen it – do yourself a favour and rent it now! If you have, it’s definitely worth another look. This movie really drives home the message that changing the world around you really does start with one step.

Haley Joel Osment is superb as the young Trevor McKinney. Trevor’s childhood has been less than idyllic. Perhaps as a way to escape from his mother's alcoholism and his abusive and absent father, he throws himself wholeheartedly into a new school assignment given by his new social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet.

The assignment: think of something to change the world and put it into action.

Trevor’s answer: Pay Forward a Favour:
#1 It has to be something that really helps people.
#2 Something they can't do by themselves.
#3 I do it for them, they do it for three other people.

Initially Trevor is disheartened as his plan doesn’t appear to be working – but unbeknown to him – his plan is actually spreading like wildfire and ends up changing not only the lives of those around him, but many others as well.

Is it possible for one idea to change the world? I think so!

Left To Tell
by Immaculee Ilibagiza

Warning up front – This book is not for the faint hearted.

As the young Immaculee grew up in her native Rwanda, little did she know that terror that was eventually to strike her beloved country. During a visit to her beloved family in a break from college in 1994, her world, and the world around her fell apart. Following the death of Rwanda’s Hutu president, a three-month killing spree was instigated, culminating in the deaths of almost one million people. It is honestly unfathomable to even imagine what this country went through. I had to put the book down several times as I couldn’t continue reading.

Immaculee’s entire family died and she only survived herself by hiding in a tiny, tiny bathroom with seven other starving women for 91 cramped days. The photo showing this tiny bathroom is literally unbelievable. The strength and faith that Immaculee found to get her through this ordeal is nothing short of amazing. It really reaches you on a deep level.

August Rush
Director: Kirsten Sheridan
Starring: Kerri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers & Freddie Highmore

This is a beautiful story of a family tied together by their love of music. Lyla (Kerri Russell) is a renowned and beautiful cellist and Louis (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a bass player in club. Lyla and Louis meeting in a chance encounter and spend a magical night together. They are torn apart by fate and don't get the chance to see each other again. Lyla has fallen pregnant in the encounter,. without ever having told Louis. Lyla is in a car accident, she has the baby (Freddie Highmore) however her father takes it to an orphange without her knowledge.

The movie follows the path of their three very different lives. Their son (later to be known as August) is a born musical prodigal with a never failing belief his real family is out there and looking for him too. It is their love of music that keeps them all going.

This story really gives you hope in magic, shows you dreams can come true and reminds you never to give up.

I really loved this movie and the magical feeling of happiness it gives!

Five Wishes
by Gay Hendricks

An encounter at a party changed Gay Hendricks forever. A stranger asked him to imagine himself on his deathbed and to consider this question: 'Was your life a complete success?' If not, then 'What would be the things you'd wish had happened that would have made it a success?'

The stranger then goes on to share some simple strategies for turning these wishes into reality. Hendricks has done this in his own life and has a deep desire to share these strategies.

The ideas seem quite simplistic - but think about it - what if you could make your 5 biggest dreams come true - it's definitely worth the experience.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett

Well what can I say - just the fact that the ever good looking Brad Pitt is in this movie is pretty much enough reason to see it on it's own. (He gets hotter and hotter as he gets younger!) And Cate Blanchett looks as gorgeous as I have ever seen her. But there are many more reasons to watch!

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' is adapted from the 1920s short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time.

Abandoned by his biological father, Thomas Button, after Benjamin's biological mother died in childbirth, Benjamin was raised by Queenie, a caregiver at a seniors home. Here at the home Benjamin first meets Daisy, the love of his life. Daisy's grandmother was a resident at the home.

They meet again throughout the years - although their age is usally a barrier, until they finally meet again when they are both in their 40's.

I think the movie is a great example of how age and time can mean nothing and everything at the same time. It really gets you thinking about making the most of every moment and not taking one minute for granted.

The Time Travellers Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger

In keeping with the "time" theme this month I have chosen the book "The Time Travellers Wife.

This intriguing story is about Henry DeTamble , a librarian with a rare genetic disorder (diagnosed in the book as Chrono-Displacement) which causes him to involuntarily travel through time. When 20-year-old Clare Abshire meets 28-year-old Henry, he has never seen her before, although she has known him most of her life. Clare's past is still in Henry's future. Henry begins to experience the events in Clare's childhood at the same time that he experiences life with the adult Clare in the present. In the novel, the future cannot be changed, and many tragic events are foreshadowed in the past.

The book constantly moves between the past, present and future and constantly keeps you guessing about what will happen next.  The love between Henry and Clare is the one constant in the crazy and unpredictable life that is caused by Henry’s constant disappearance and reappearance into any moment or time in Clare’s life.  It is a totally addictive book and again makes you want to appreciate every moment and not get lost in the small things.

P.S. Look out for the movie version this year with Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams. Can't wait for that one!

Freedom Writers
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Starring: Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey

Freedom Writers is based on the real life story of teacher Erin Gruwell and the amazing change she brought to a group of students in her class in Long Beach California. These were inner city kids raised on drive-by shootings and hard-core attitude. Using the Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Sarajevo as inspiration - Erin uses a diary system to give them the one thing they need most: a voice of there own.

The movie is based on the actual diaries written by all the students during their time with Ms Gruwell and the dramatic change is awe-inspiring. It has created a big movement for change in schools across America via the www.freedomwritersfoundation.org.

If you think this is going to be just 'another of those Dangerous Mnds' movies - think again. This is a very real story which will definitely move you.

Inspiration
Your Ultimate Calling
by Wayne Dyer

Renowned lecturer and author Dr. Wayne Dyer has dedicated his newest book to in-Spirited living. Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling contains methods for finding your way to an inspired life, absorbing the inspiration of others, becoming an inspiration, and transcending commonplace uninspiring energy.

Dr Dyer believes inspiration is the opposite of motivation. Motivation is "grabbing an idea and carrying it through to an acceptable conclusion", but inspiration is the reverse-allowing ourselves to be moved by a Force greater than ourselves. While motivation pushes us towards goals, inspiration is a relaxed flow, enabling us to enjoy where we are on the way to where we're going. By remembering our constant connection to Source energy, we tap into peace, ease, and abundance.

The book includes some great principles that I've discovered in my own life, and found to be a guiding source for inspiration and on-purpose living-such as the power of giving, gratitude, and following curiosity. I also love the way each chapter concludes with some suggestings for putting ideas to work for you. It really helps to start seeing changes straight away!

Here are some of my fave quotes from the book!

"Remember: We're already connected to everything that we think is missing from our life. Below and above the ranges that our eyes and ears perceive, the entire activity of creation remains invisible and inaccessible-but when we shift from sensory searching to trusting what we know, we discover the folly of chasing after anything in order to feel inspired."

"...you'll never find light by analyzing the darkness..."

"Having an interest in something is the clue to a thought that's connected to our calling-that thought is a vibration of energy in this vast Universe."

The Bucket List
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson

The Bucket List is an inspirational story about two older men who are both diagnosed with a terminal illness and given less than a year to live. Between them they come up with a "Bucket List". A wish list of things they would both like to do before they "kick the bucket". They set off together on a journey around the world fulfilling their dreams. They end up forming a strong friendship and unexpected emotional bond.

People often ask the question - what would you do if you only had X amount of time to live. Why do we wait until such a time to do what we really consider our most important dreams?

Is there something you really dream of doing? Why don't you take a small step today - towards a big journey. Seriously.... Make a phone call, check out some details on the internet, send an email to a friend, put in that application. Get the ball rolling.

What are you waiting for?

Tuesdays with Morrie
An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson
by Mitch Albom

After the death of his favourite uncle Mitch Albom started searching for more meaning in his life. By chance he stumbled across the name of his old professor and mentor from college, Morrie Schwartz. Morrie had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Partly out of guilt for not keeping in contact with his old mentor and perhaps partly to make up for not sharing as much in the last days of his dying uncle life as he could have, Mitch tracked Morrie down. Over the final months of his life they have "class" together every Tuesday. During this time Morrie shares the lessons and philosophy he has learnt over his long and eventful life.

Is there someone important in your life you could be spending more time with?

Kung Fu Panda
Director: Mark Osborne and John Stevenson
Starring: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie

Kung Fu Panda is a heart-warming, funny and totally enjoyable family movie with a great underlying spiritual message.

Centred around Po (Jack Black) a loveble panda who works in a noodle restaurant owned by his goose father Mr. Ping (James Hong), who hopes that Po will one day take over the restaurant. Po is a kung fu fanatic with secret dreams of becoming a great master in the discipline. However, his weight and clumsiness make his goal difficult to attain.

Along the way Po comes across many obstacles, particularly as there no-one else believes he can do it - nor want him to. Many times Po considers giving up - but it is only dream - so how can he? He also meets tortoise Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) who believes he can do whatever he sets his mind to and helps give him the courage to keep going.

As Oogway says "One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."

______________________________________

A memorable scene from the movie:

Shifu: Our only hope is the Dragon Warrior.
Tigress: The panda?
Shifu: Yes, the panda!
Tigress: Master, please!
[pushes chair out]
Tigress: Let us stop Tai Lung, this is what you've trained us for!
Shifu: No! It is not your destiny to defeat Tai Lung, it is his!
[points at Po, then realizes he's not there]
Shifu: Where'd he go?

Eat Pray Love
by Elizabeth Gilbert

This really is one of my favourite books ever. A true story, after reaching the lowest part of her life, Elizabeth Gilbert comes up with a plan to travel the world in a year - hoping to figure out what is missing in her life. As a writer, she is able to combine her love of writing with her new plan and spends the next year "eating her way through Italy", "pursuing devotion in India" and "learning how to balance in Bali".

Elizabeth Gilbert is hilarious, honest, so down-to-earth as well as very insightful. You really feel as though she is your closest friend while reading the book. I couldn't recommend it more.

This book will be coming out as a movie next year and I can't wait!!