Ode to Dorothy Morris

Almost everyone who knew Dorothy Morris understood that she was smart and fearless. Personally, I knew she was smart early on because she married one of my favorite cousins, Frank Morris – or Mickey as all of his cousins called him while growing up together. And I know Dorothy was fearless too – because she married Mickey! But I also know she touched many lives. Whether at Liz’s café, which she ran for many years, or at family get-togethers, Dorothy was always a joy to talk with – and on any topic. Those are four of the many thoughts that keep going through my mind about Dorothy -- and they inspired me to write this little poem about her.

Ode to Dorothy Morris

Fearless and smart and lots of fun,

she lived her life -- with so much done.

Her family and friends galore

felt her glow and long for more.

But Dorothy leaves them all a gift.

For knowing her gave each a lift.

Her love goes on.

It can’t be gone.

Her glow shines on for those who care,

and in our hearts becomes a flare. 

Rest in Peace, dear Dorothy. You will be missed – but never forgotten.

A Remarkable Film Starring Antonio Banderas

Through the magic of brilliant cinematography and gorgeous location shots, Finding Altamira takes us back to the 1800s in Spain during a time of conflict between religion and science. It tells the story of Marcelino Sautuola (Antonio Banderas), an amateur archeologist who owns the land where mysterious paintings are found in one of the caves on his property. Marcelino and his colleague Juan Vilanova (Nicholas Farrell) believe the art was created by humans much earlier than anyone ever suspected. Unfortunately, this belief does not meet with approval from the church or from other scientists. Plus, Marcelino’s wife (Golshifteh Farahani) cannot fully support his theory because of her religious beliefs, which causes family problems. But his darling little daughter (Allegra Allen), who first sees the cave art, stands by him. I hope this remarkable film will be remembered during the 2016 awards season.

Altamira hides works of art.

And finding them is where things start.

A little girl falls in a cave.

Then looking up, she’d like to rave.

Her father sees the pictures too.

He wants the world to know they’re true.

But forces stand against this man

and plot to wreck his earnest plan.

Banderas nails his crucial role.

We cheer the man’s most worthy goal.

The film itself pleases the eye

with lovely sights that make us sigh.

Don’t miss this one if you like art

or movies filled with lots of heart.

(Released by Samuel Goldwyn Films; not rated by MPAA.)

Ode to Jackie Chan

You can’t go wrong with Jackie Chan.

He gives us thrills, so I’m a fan.

Skiptrace shows Chan’s amusing side

and takes us for a fun wild ride.

Johnny Knoxville adds his own touch.

Compared to Chan, it’s not too much.

But he gets laughs along the way

and won me over, I must say.

Great stunts galore fill up the screen.

While Chan fights people who are mean.

Exotic places come in view --

wide vistas, and not just a few.

This film may go on way too long.

But still I want to sing a song

of praise for Jackie Chan’s talent,

which age has only slightly dent.

More power to you, Jackie Chan.

Keep making films, cause you’re the Man!