The Tudors

I’ve finished watching the fourth and final season of the television series “The Tudors”, the story of King Henry VIII and his six wives. Although a good lesson in European history, the show provides plenty of entertainment. Complete with romance, betrayal, and war, it offers much that is pleasing to the eye. Opulent dress, glittering jewels, rich textiles, succulent food and most of all, gorgeous people! (note of caution: there are also disturbing scenes in and around the Tower) However, the last point, gorgeous people, I found to be a frustrating disconnect when I researched further on the lives of these historic figures. Sure, no one would probably watch the show if Lady Mary looked liked the Lady Mary depicted in her portraits, and it’s doubtful the real Charles Brandon could hold a candle to the actor Henry Cavill. Certainly, “what is beauty” in Western civilizations continues to evolve and historians report that Henry was a hottie in his day. However, I’d argue the message of his tyranny is harder to extract when he and everyone around him is of excessive natural beauty. For example, it is easier to extract a future “Bloody Mary” from this:

than from this:

Unlike some faithful viewers, I’m glad Showtime ended the series of the Tudor family at this juncture. I’d likely not make it through depictions of the “Marian Terrors”. Regardless, I’m more equipped than before for a future visit to London and the historic sites occupied during the lives of Henry VIII, his friends, and enemies.

Gingerbread House

As an adult I'm somewhat bothered by the Grimm elements in the classic German fairy tale Hansel & Gretel such as famine, parental abandonment, and a cannibalistic woman, to name a few. As a child I remember enjoying the story. I contribute this to the one image that remains in my head, the fabulous gingerbread house the evil woman has constructed to lure the hungry Hansel and Gretel into her lair. My mind recalls images of abundant color, sensual sweetness, and sheltered warmth amongst the wet, damp cold of snow. I can't remember ever seeing an actual gingerbread house (graham cracker, yes, gingerbread, no), and I've never succumbed to the temptation of the DIY home kits available everywhere this time of year. Needless to say, when I saw the real deal at Cafe Beethoven last week I couldn't resist returning this week to add yet more confection to the collection to enjoy this holiday season.

Cookie Exchange

Today's cookie exchange will likely add a few pounds to my already burdened frame. Thank goodness for the "monthly unlimited" special at Powerflow yoga to carry me through half of December and into January!

7 Fahrenheit / Minus 14 Celsius

We're in Minnesota for American Thanksgiving, and despite the frigid temp, the sunshine on the bright blanket of white lured Roo outdoors this morning for a go in the snow. It's been awhile since we've seen snow and even longer since we've been in a climate this cold. Remaining positive, I'll use the words "refreshing" and "invigorating" to describe the experience.

Front Tooth

Today at school an older classmate coached Roo to "try pulling it out". At pick up today he proudly presented to me his front tooth in a little plastic bag.

Daria Music

Thursday and Friday was a day off of school for New Jersey children. Our outing yesterday was a trip to the Madison Public Library for Daria's World Music Jam. She encouraged the children to use her array of instruments from around the world which included a Peruvian rattle made of goat toenails, a shekere from Africa which is a hollow gourd covered with a net of beading, and drums that varied in material and tone. Roo enthusiastically took his turn on several items with the Latina American cajon (a wooden box with a hole that is played like a drum with your hands) occupying the majority of his interest. Her website gives instructions on how to make some of the instruments with household materials. Check it out!

Halloween

Roo started the evening as Batman, but quickly concluded that the mask hindered his ability to see, opting for the fire fighter's suit that has reflective stripes. While only a few people came to our door, Roo managed to come home with a hefty loot, choosing a red lolly for his first indulgence.