May 2013 - An inspiring story!

This is an amazing story!!! I was inspired to live a better life with the time that I do have!

April 2013 - My Favorite Talk from General Conference

This was my favorite talk! I was so moved! I need to have more faith!

March 2013 - An Act of Service

I was sick in March with a horrible cold. It was really difficult to do what I needed to do in the show and otherwise. I was overwhelmed also because I had just sent in my mission papers....an apparently stressful endeavor for me :) Well, Amy Jo Henderson (Ben Henderson's wife - he plays my husband in the show) sent  me a get well card. Included in the card was a handkerchief that she had sewn for me. She made it so it would look and go with the period of the piece. To  me it looked hand sewn. I couldn't believe it...she had taken the time to make something like that for me because she heard I was sick. I was beyond grateful, and I have taken it with me on stage on a number of occasions. She will never know what that gesture meant to me...small and simple things!

The Civil War- February 2013

"For the Honor of your Name"

In February we opened The Civil War at the Hale Center Theater. I can't begin to tell you how much this show has meant to me. I feel proud of the project as a whole and also the part that I have had the opportunity to play. The role of Sarah is actually based on a real letter written to a woman named Sarah. I think it's only fitting to share it here- 

 July 14, 1861

Camp Clark, Washington

My very dear Sarah, 

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye
when I shall be no more. 

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I
should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how
strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution.
And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt. 

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter
fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze,
that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country? 

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I,
suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee. 

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of
the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed. 

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and
bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. 

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give
them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I
know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If
I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name. 

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your
happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet
the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more. 

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest
scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or if the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. 

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again. 

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him
among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. 

Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children. 

Sullivan 

Sullivan Ballou, age 32, was killed on the battlefield in the 1st Battle of Bull Run seven days after writing this letter.

To pen such words is beyond my comprehension...for he paid the ultimate price.  These were the last words to his wife. To give up all his joys for the love of his country! I can't comprehend the love of a spouse because I have not yet experienced it...however I feel as if I have caught a glimpse of that  through acting in  this show, through the love of my family, and other relationships that have taught me how to love deeply.  I hope that someday I can have that type of courage and deep conviction. I am grateful for those that have gone before and that have provided me with a unified country. The  freedoms that I enjoy strengthen me. What an awesome capstone of my theater experience before I leave on my mission. 

Stacia

December Post- A Night to Remember ~Better Late Than Never!

I didn't actually watch a movie that moved me...but I went to a performance that I will never forget. It was December and I was invited to go to The Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Performance (December 2012). They often bring in guest artists or special speakers. I couldn't have been more pleased with what I encountered in this performance. Alfie Boe who was in Les Miserables and a journalist names Tom Brokaw were involved. I was moved by this performance. Alfie Boe is this amazing tenor...I mean kind of unreal!!! I seriously can't fathom that talent. I jumped to my feet after one of his songs. Not only that, they also portrayed the story of a candy bomber during World War Two. It's a beautiful story of a man that participated in dropping candy from the sky for  children. And then they brought the candy bomber on stage...he was around 90 years old. It was beautiful that this man was still remembered for his act of service and kindness! I wept in this show and if you ever see it on TV. Watch it!!!

Love you all!

Mini

Even though I have not participated in this blog thus far, I thoroughly enjoy all the things you have shared.  You are all so articulate and intelligent and express your thoughts extremely well.   But since I had something that demonstrated acts of service on the part of several people I thought I would share.

My experiences with dogs have never been that wonderful.  I have been bitten by a dog.  I have been chased by a dog in Richfield when I was little, which caused me to get separated from my cousin and lost. And the two dogs we had when I was young, Sparky and Chief, were not very well trained and would jump up on us.  However, I did try to connect with Sparky and there might even be a picture somewhere of me with that dog.  Chief was more Carl's dog.

Although I have never been much of a pet or a dog person I did have a recent experience I would like to share. Pam Smith was going out of town to Michigan and then Texas to visit her daughters Kendra and Summer, respectively.  Her little black dog Mini had recently been having seizures which they attributed to possibly epilepsy.  They were able to treat her with medication and valium to calm her down, especially while Pam would be out of town.  Sharlee Doxey volunteered to take care of Mini while the Smiths were out of town.  I volunteered to walk her a few times a week and she hired Beth Ericson to take her on some afternoon walks.  Meg Donaldson offered to walk with me.

Everything was going pretty well. After a few days, Mini had adjusted to Sharlee's house.  Meg and I were enjoying our walks with Mini (even while it snowed on us).  On one walk Meg and I discussed the movie Marley and Me (recommended to be watched with clear play)  and the book it was based on, which Lee and Meg Donaldson had read. I mentioned how the movie gave me a greater appreciation for how much people can come to love their pets and more empathy for their feelings when they lose them.  I believe the book was based on newspaper columns written about a family's adventures with their dog.

One Wednesday Meg couldn't come.  It was a beautiful day and I took Mini on a glorious walk by myself.  She trotted happily along occasionally stopping to sniff and enjoy. As far as I know this was the last walk Mini went on.   Thursday night Mini started to have seizures.  She had seizures for several hours with Sharlee looking after her all night.  In the morning Michael Smith took her to the vet where they had to put her down.  They determined she most likely had a brain tumor instead of Epilepsy.  They buried her in Pam's father's backyard.  Ron and Pam arrived home a few days later.

Mini was a very beloved dog by many of the neighborhood who had interacted with her on several of Pam's many walks over the years.  She was  also loved by Pam's piano students, by those who walked with Pam, and of course the Smith family. Of all the dogs I have come into contact with she was my favorite. It was comforting to Pam to know that she was well cared for the last two weeks of her life especially by  Sharlee and by others who loved her.  We will all miss Mini!

MOM

Israel and The United States

Well, I didn't realize what this month's blog post was supposed to be about but as I related an experience I had learning about a world affair Megan informed me that I was now ready to write a post for this month.  Getting Things Done (GTD) has helped me engage in activities I normally would have ignored or not make a decision on.  I heard about a lecture being given on campus by a Michael Oren, the Israeli Ambassador.  I decided that I would calendar it and watch it.  I did.  It was awesome, I learned about the history of the relationship between Israel and America and how this relationship has largely been founded on spiritual ties.  I wondered if this man  had read the Book of Mormon because of everything he was saying and the important role we have in restoring the jews to their lands of inheritance (this is all in the bible of course as well, but the BOM expands on it and described how christians often forget about the jews).  Benjamin Franklin and John Adams believed very strongly in this as did many presidents who followed.  When Israel declared their independence their was pressure on the white house not to recognize them as a state.  After contemplation the president exited the white house and recognized Israel as a state.  When I asked I, he stated, "I am Cyrus, I am Cyrus.  In the Old Testament Cyrus was a Gentile King who restored the jews to their homeland.  It was amazing to hear these stories of the founding relationship between the U.S. and Israel.  He described 3 or 4 other pillars that have united these two countries.  Especially he addressed that this country is the only democracy after the pattern of the U.S. in all the middle east (that truly functions like one). His final words were awesome.  Israel is not just an Ally of the United States,  Israel is the ULTIMATE ally of the United States.  I want to re-watch this lecture sometime and I hope to learn more about this relationship and our unique role as God's covenant people in restoring the jews to their homeland. Here is the link so that you can watch this video for yourself.  Love you guys
http://ome.ksu.edu/lectures/landon/past.html

Nathan

Les Miserables was 1500 pages, so I don't want to hear any complaints about the length of my blog post.

Considering the vast array of Les Miserables reviews out there for the new movie, I wanted to avoid posting anything on it, just call it a great movie, and move on with my life.  That said, in September I finally watched the Off-Broadway production in Phoenix, finished reading the book in late December, and watched the movie the same day I finished the book.  As I have effectively Les Mis'd my face off, I feel compelled to discuss the movie as well as the book.

First, let me say, I feel it was especially entertaining to watch the movie right after reading the book.  It made the movie come more to life for me, and I gained a new appreciation for the musical, as well as some of the choices made in the movie.  The movie follows the book exceptionally well, considering it covered a nearly 1500 page novel.  The choices in the movie/musical that don't follow the book, are not bothersome, and actually make sense from a production standpoint.  For example, one of the later scenes when the Thenardiers show up at the wedding, you will see Thenardier and Mlle. Thenardier.  In the book, Mlle. Thenardier, was not there, as she died in prison.  In fact, it was his daughter Azelma, that was with him.  This worked well in the book, but it wouldn't have made sense in the musical or movie.

I could easily do a review over the specific performances, my thoughts on each character, and each actor, and how I felt each of them did, but the opinions are so varied and so across the board, that I'll refrain from going too much into depth there.  I thought Russell Crowe was average, and thought the Thenardier's could've been a little better cast, but overall, I don't have any major gripes.  I loved pretty much everyone else.  I thought the cast blended relatively well, and enjoyed most of the musical performances.  Not all, but certainly enough to walk away extremely satisfied.  That said, here are some of the less talked about reasons why I loved this movie.

1.  Gavroche and Eponine.

  Gavroche, played by Daniel Huttlestone, was fabulous in the movie.  I love the scene where the boys bound out of the elephant and run through the town.    Simply seeing that was enough to remind me of one of the more touching stories of the book.  In the book, Gavroche lives inside the elephant ( shelter he found for himself ) when he realized his parents would no longer take care of him.  His parents- the infamous Thenardiers, of course.  In fact, the Thenardiers have 5 children.  Eponine (the eldest), Gavroche, Azelma, and two younger boys.  So, yes, Gavroche and Eponine are, in fact, siblings! It creates an interesting contrast between the parents (dregs of society) vs. Eponine and Gavroche (poor, but putting others before them).  In a fabulous scene in the book, Gavroche finds two boys wandering around town. These two boys were previously sold off by the Thenardiers to a lady to take care of them.  The Thenardiers sold off their two boys for gain, and to avoid the expense.  However, in the book, the boys ended up losing the new family, and they begin wandering the streets aimlessly.  Gavroche spots the two boys and takes them under his wing.  When breaking a piece of bread he found, he hands the bigger pieces to the two boys and keeps a smaller one for himself.  In essence, he teaches them how to survive on the street.  (Gavroche did not recognize them as his brothers either).  So, the scene above in the movie, where the boys are following Gavroche, I don't see a bunch of random boys following him. I see two boys- Gavroche's brothers... the two boys he is essentially parenting, sacrificing what little he had, for two boys he didn't even know where his brothers.  Later, when Gavroche sees a need to collect more ammunition he bravely and brazenly goes from one fallen soldier to the next to help with the cause.  He was fearless, and constantly put others before him, even to his own detriment.

Samantha Barker nailed Eponine.  Period.  Eponine, who was essentially enslaved by her Father to a life of pandering, becomes engrossed with her neighbor Marius Pontmercy.  However, in one scene she stands up to her Father and the other gang leaders when they intend to raid Jean Val Jean's home, in an attempt to save Cosette.  Keep in mind, these other gang leaders weren't just any gang leaders... these were most notorious and feared thieves in all of Paris.  I felt this whole scene was portrayed fantastically in the film, and highlighted the bravery of Eponine.  She could have easily been as manipulative and amoral as her Father and just let the raid take place.  But Eponine wanted to protect someone that Marius adored, even if that was not her.  I don't think her death scene could have been done much better.  The build-up of her putting on boys clothes and entering the fray was well-orchestrated, and the timing of those scenes was captivating.  Great direction, and Samantha Barker lived up to the direction perfectly.  Her singing was not too shabby either.  Wow.

2. The barricade scene.

One of the main themes of Les Miserables is the idea of being trapped and the desire to escape.   A convict can't progress.  A poor mother turns to prostitution as a way to save her child.  And a barricade is set up to fight an impossible battle.  Everything seems to be a death trap.  That's why I love the barricade scene.  It is indicative of what many suffer when they have no one to succor them or help them out- they are hopelessly trapped.  Even Javert, during the barricade scene, finds himself that way.  Javert saw his capture as his end, and ultimately he can't reconcile being saved by a convict, a man, he thought, could not be good.  Thus, Javert, we see, is trapped in a different light- he is trapped by the philosophy that justice should always prevail.  The scene also encapsulates Eponine's heart being trapped.  She is trapped in her love for Marius, and goes on a suicide mission to save him.  Marius enters the fight, when his grandfather refuses to grant his blessing to marry him and when he believes Cosette has left for England.  He sees no other alternative- he, is hopeless.  Jean Val Jean enters the battle hopeless as well.  His struggle is different from the physical escaping he had done previously.  This last struggle was the most difficult of all- letting go of Cosette.  He saw no hope in moving forward without Cosette in his life, and in his choice to save Marius, he put himself in a position where he would ultimately lose the connection he had with her.

To me, that's why this scene is so powerful.  Everyone appears hopeless and trapped.  But with a further look at the scene, the barricade also represents hope and the desire to be free.  The last scene in the movie does a great job in showing the characters seemingly protected by a larger barricade, and they looked free.  They had escaped the world, and entered a better place.  A place of hope and freedom.  They had conquered the barricades and traps that so easily beset them in the world.

The scene is beautifully done, because it highlighted and intertwined so many individual struggles of the characters and deftly connects them.  I think this scene is where Russell Crowe is at his best.  The interaction with him and Jean Val Jean was done exquisitely, and Crowe's look of resentment was blistering and spot-on.

I love the part where Jean Val Jean fires two shots toward the opposition during the movie, and was pleased this was included.  In the book, he does the same thing, and Hugo is quick to point out that Jean Val Jean made sure he merely shot off the two individuals helmets and caused them to fall, but made sure he did not fatally wound them.  He had no desire to kill anyone on either side.  This scene in the movie reminded me of his generosity and love for all.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Enjolras and Courfeyrac in the movie, and thought they played their parts extraordinarily well.  The scene where they were cornered and shot, was especially symbolic of the hopelessness of their fight.

If I have one gripe with the barricade scene is I would have loved it to have included the scene where Marius's 80+ year old friend, M. Labeuf, rises to the top of the barricade to place the flag, then is shot.  Very powerful scene in the book, which would have been great in the movie.

3.  Marius is so much cooler in the movie, than in the book.

Marius is a very impulsive and passionate individual.  Initially a royalist, he discovers his Father (Colonel Pontmercy) had served under Napoleon and that his Grandfather had surreptitiously kept his Father and him apart by refusing to promise Marius any riches if Colonel Pontmercy was in Marius's life.  Marius, after discovering this deceit,  becomes a radical, disowns his Grandfather, and chooses to live poor.  Later he sees Cosette, and fawns over her immediately.  His first words to her are at the gate near the garden (as shown in the movie).  By then, he is already in love.  I appreciate the parallel with him and Cosette, in that they both grew up without seeing their parents. Cosette, never knew her Father, and couldn't remember her Mother.  Marius, never knew his Mother (she died when he was a baby), and couldn't remember his Father.  Cosette is always running, and Marius is running from his past life.

That said, Marius is definitely not nearly as confident in the book as he is in the movie, and in the book is someone who really could likely benefit from some Prozac or Klonopin.  Marius would not have been seen on the streets, standing by Enjolras as the leader of the revolutionaries.  In fact, when he enters the barricade, it takes him a while to even engage in the battle.  Only after seeing some fallen friends, does he enter.  In the book he comes in firing with two pistols (given to him by Javert in an earlier scene where Marius tips off Javert as to the Thernadier ambush against Jean Val Jean).  He really didn't become a leader of the revolutionaries until he pulled off his emphatic keg powder threat that bought the revolutionaries some time.  Marius really just had a death wish, considering he saw no hope in being with Cosette.  I enjoyed how they portrayed this conundrum (being with Cosette or fighting the battle) in the movie.  I loved Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of Marius.  Frankly, he made the Marius of the book cooler.  He was confident, sure of himself, and simply made the decision to fight, because option 1 was seemingly no longer an option.  He is a bit more steady, and you want to root for him.  His voice was surprisingly powerful and engaging, and he really became one of the more dynamic characters of the movie.

So, what did I get out of the movie coupled with my reading?
Simply put, the movie was a spectacular adaption of the book and musical and smartly illustrates the struggles of hopelessness faced by those in society.  It gives us a contrast of two different approaches to being poor or an outcast:  1.  The selflessness of Jean Valjean, Fantine, Gavroche and Eponine vs. 2. The dregs of society in the gangs and the Thenardiers.  It tells us that when you can't escape, there is still a choice to have hope.  There is still a choice to be good and kind.  There is still a choice to die with dignity and love.  It enshrines the issue of justice vs. mercy, highlighted by Jean Val Jean's mercy and Javert's desire to seek justice.  Politically, the book tells us that something must be done.  Hugo doesn't seem to have a direct answer. In one chapter, he disagrees with socialism and too much redistribution of wealth, but at the same time sees the need for a safety net for the poor.  Hugo, pleasantly appeared to be quite pragmatic in his political thought.  The movie, to me, did not come across as political (in my opinion, it didn't appear to choose a side), but rather it served as a wake-up call that we simply need to take care of each other.  That there is nothing more satisfying then doing good works for the poor, sacrificing ourselves for a child or a stranger, being open to forgiveness, and living our lives full of hope as we try and escape our fears, our trials, and as we try and escape the struggles found in our own conscience.  The movie, in the final scene, when the characters are atop the barricade, is illustrative of the freedom we can hope for as we fight through the incessant traps that so constantly consume our society, our struggles, and our own minds.

Finally, watch the movie for what it is- a movie.  Appreciate Tom Hooper's decision to record the singing live- it makes it more raw. Enjoy the imperfection behind the singing- it makes the characters appear more vulnerable and real.  Comparing it to a stage play and comparing it to the book is fun, but it takes away from what is obvious to me- the movie was brilliant.

December-Movie

I didn't make time this last month to find and watch a new movie so I'm going to comment on one I watched this last semester.

Tess of the d'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
(2008 BBC mini series is the version I watched)

This is a very sad story filled with darkness and sorrow...I chose to comment on this movie because it was so thought provoking. This movie made me think for days, even weeks. Each day I pondered it my mind was consumed with connections and questions, and Nathan and I had some great conversations about the themes.

The main questions are:

-What is true virtue and purity?
-How does society define purity? How does the church? (context: 1800's rural English society, the Church of England)
-How do those definitions conflict with one another, which definition is right?
-Can events taint or take away purity, or is purity guarded in the heart no matter what happens to you?
-How do we personally define purity in our own minds today?

The story has biblical references to the Garden of Eden and The Fall.
The main character Tess is a parallel to Eve. The conservative churches back in that day took the bible literally and labeled Eve as a sinner because of her choice in the garden ("Original Sin")
Angel in the movie is an Adam figure, and Alec is the serpent.

Throughout all the sorrow, trial, blame, and everything Tess endures she remains an obvious standard of personal purity and innocence. Things happen to her against her will that label her as a sinner by society and the church, and yet she is the most pure in heart out of all the characters. There is continuous symbolism that supports this theme: what could be more pure and virtuous than a precious newborn baby? And yet, if it's born out of wedlock, that little life is shunned both by family, church, and society. Even towards the end she makes choices that condemn her further, but she does it out of concern for her family and loyalty to her heart.

Alec is an interesting character, he defiles her innocence and symbolically gives her knowledge (serpent gives Eve the fruit from the tree of knowledge-he even gives her fruit in the movie to symbolize this) Throughout the movie he tempts her, pesters her, continuously tries to wear away her goodness and destroy her purity. He even uses the deception of righteousness and a repentant heart for a time. In the end he gains some control over her, but as the viewer you still feel her purity is intact in her heart, she gives up that control for a higher cause: to save her family. Like Eve, she makes a "condemning choice" for the greater good of her family. It's also interesting to note society and everyone else had shunned her, she literally had no where else to turn but to Alec. To me this is a message of warning: the terrible consequences of what we do to true virtue and purity when we automatically label and condemn. In the end we (english society, church of england, etc.) are the ones who destroy the purity, in the end we are the real sinners. And the ones we labeled "sinner" are the true saints. If everyone had given her love instead of condemnation she would have lived the beautiful life that she always deserved. In this story the Adam figure (Angel) follows that same path of unfair judgement, but becomes repentant and sorrowful in the end for his judgement-but the warning is clear because the consequences were already set. The last scene is a day dream Angel has about going back in time and how he would show her love from the start-oh how the outcome would have been different.

Anyways I could probably go on and on, I love motifs and connections, I found this movie very thought provoking. It's definitely a very sad story and I think personally I would prefer to read the book next time rather than watch the movie since some of the context is so dark. I would also love to further research Thomas Hardy's personal religious beliefs based on some of the conclusions of human existence he makes in the end.