SECRETARIAT

I saw the Secretariat movie yesterday, and I really, really enjoyed it.

Now, if you are a racing fan and a horse person, you must go into this movie knowing several things:

1. This is a movie, not a documentary. It is entertainment.
2. There will be inaccuracies. Remember Seabiscuit? In that movie, War Admiral was 18hh; that would make him a freakishly large Thoroughbred! In real life, War Admiral was around 15 hands--kinda on the smallish side. But, I enjoyed the movie immensely.
3. The movie needs to appeal to a wide audience--including those who may not know a lot about horses and racing. Hence, some details are left out. Or, scenes like Lucien Laurin (played by John Malkovich) lighting a fire in the barn (!, well yeah, that's all I'll write about that--no spoilers!) are added for dramatic effect.

BUT--there are many details that stay true to the story of Secretariat. So refreshing!

The racing scenes are INTENSE and beautifully shot. The camera practically gets into the horses' nostrils; you can hear their breath blowing and their hoofbeats pounding in glorious surround sound. There is nothing like the sound of a Thoroughbred going full-out; it's like a living, breathing freight train! The racing scenes made me cry--I felt like I was that jockey, toes in the irons and wind in my hair. Great stuff!

I also loved how the bond between Secretariat and his groom, Eddie Sweat, was depicted. The bond between a groom and a horse can be very strong and is vital to the horse's well-being. I was pleased to see that this special partnership was given the attention it deserves. One scene in particular stands out: (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!!!!!)(stop reading now if you don't want to know about any scenes in the movie) (you're welcome!) :-)

when Eddie realizes his charge is feeling better and can run in the upcoming Kentucky Derby, he shouts to the empty, early-morning grandstand at the track: "He ate his breakfast!"
For a groom, a sick horse that snaps back to health is a reason to shout and celebrate.

(end of possible spoiler)

Diane Lane was fabulous as Penny Chenery, and John Malkovich was a treat as Lucien Laurin. The actor who really touched my heart was Margo Martindale as Elizabeth Ham. She was perfect.

Secretariat is a beautiful, moving tribute to the legendary racehorse. It made me feel like a kid again; glued to the TV watching the great red horse run like the wind and leaving his opponents in the dust.

Recommended.

a break!

Takin' a break to see SECRETARIAT today! Review later....

So excited!!!! I can't wait to see how they filmed his legendary Belmont Stakes. I remember seeing that race when I was just a little kid. It was awesome!

Be sure to read Bill Nack's amazing Secretariat biography, and check out the new book on The Meadow, Secretariat's birthplace.

...here's a list of some of my favorite books on racing:

1. Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. Beautifully written and meticulously researched. This book is a masterpiece and is in my top-ten of favorite books of all time.
2. Secretariat: The Making of Champion by William Nack. THE book on Secretariat: Nack even describes the day Bold Ruler was bred to Somethingroyal--in amazing detail, I might add.
3. Man o' War: A Legend Like Lightning, by Dorothy Ours. (Isn't that a fantastic title??) Talk about research! WOWIE! Everything you need to know about the original Big Red is in this great book.
4. King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry. I now own a first edition thanks to my awesome husband. *love*
5. Old Friends and More Old Friends by Barbara Livingston. Heartfelt and beautifully written tributes to retired Thoroughbreds accompany Barbara's beautiful award-winning photographs. Must haves for any horse racing fan. Get thee to amazon.com!
6. Down to the Wire: The Lives of the Triple Crown Champions, by Robert Shoop. More than just history, this book details the personalities and quirks of the Triple Crown Winners. Did you know that the fierce competitor Affirmed was a gentle and kind stallion?

I'll have more later...gotta get ready to go out and have some fun!

All rested up and ready to go....

Here is my promo pic for the Jonathan Trumbull Library Artist of the Month. I am posing with my portrait of the one and only Sound the Bugle. *insert floating hearts here*

Wowza, finally recovered from my whirlwind artsy weekend, so it's time to get revved up again!

BIG PROJECT continues on. Taking a trip to New Hampshire in November, getting phase one in the can by Dec. 1, (that's why there will be no open studio Thanksgiving weekend--I will be working.) The Big Project is about to get a whole lot bigger. EEEK! But I am so excited!

I joined a gym AND I took up yoga again in hopes I can have a little more energy. Painting does not usually require a ton of cardio exercise, and I turned 43 this year. I'm feeling that. Gotta get some freakin' EXERCISE! (and it's Fall, perfect for walking!)
I ordered some purple Puma sneakers, or "Space Boots" as I like to call them, and I am looking forward to my first workout.
There was a time, in my youth, when I could throw hay bales around like they were nothin'. Sure would be nice to be that fit again. I was in my absolute best shape when I was a groom. My biceps could cut diamonds for gawlssakes!

Wish me luck....

Until next time, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars (name the source of that quote and win a big prize!)

Artist of the Month

I was asked to be Artist of the Month at the Jonathan Trumbull library in Lebanon, Connecticut. Just finished dropping off seven pieces for the display. So cool!!!

I love, love, LOVE Lebanon. It is a beautiful town with a rich and vibrant history. Take the kids for a field trip sometime and tour the preserved buildings and the museum at the Historical Society. The Wadsworth Stable is a must see for horse lovers: George Washington's horse, Nelson, stayed there! You can walk into his stall and touch his feed trough. Amazing, to say the least.

Anyway---

Awaiting my husband to come home from work. Potato soup and garlic bread for dinner. Cats at my feet. Life is good.

I had back-to-back art events this weekend, and I am so grateful. It's the stuff dreams are made of.

But now, the only thing I have to do is relax! Gotta do it...Perhaps some yoga a little later.

Thanks for a wonderful weekend, everyone. It was great to see all of you!

Next up, Open Studio in December. See you then!

Helen