Year of Curiosity Archives - Cindy Goes Beyond

August 31, 2022

August Movies

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

August brought a new slate of films to the theater. With my Regal Unlimited membership, I caught six movies that bounced between comedy, suspense, fantasy and heart warming.

Movie watching is more than entertainment to me. It’s a form of self care, setting aside a few hours each week, just for me. And I enjoy deciphering the deeper messages within the stories and picking up life lessons.

These are the August movies.

August Movies

Check out June and July films. Then read a brief synopsis, spoiler free, of the August movies with my reason for enjoying each one.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Cast: Lesley Manville, Jason Isaacs, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson and Alba Baptista.

Rating/Length: PG, 1 hour 55 mintues

Currently available on Prime Video HERE.

Brief Synopsis: Mrs. Harris, a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London, falls in love with the idea of owning a couture Dior dress. Saving her hard earned money, cutting expenses and relying on her faith in “good things happen to those who expect them”, Mrs. Harris travels to Paris, cash in hand for a one of a kind dress. Her adventure changes her outlook on life…and the future of House of Dior.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is based on the novel by the same name, written by Paul Gallico.

What I love about this movie: I so looked forward to this film, due to the previews I saw. And yet it did not show at my local theater. Not to be deterred, I purchased it through Amazon Prime Video. I’m so glad that I did!

I love Mrs. Harris and her optimistic, positive outlook on life. She believes in pursuing dreams and combining desire with action. The comedy drama is an adult fairy tale in which Mrs. Harris serves as her own fairy godmother and I appreciate that! It’s a warm hearted film full of laughter and a few tears along with hope and perseverance. This beautifully done movie captured my heart.

August Movies mrs harris — August Movies – Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Bullet Train

Cast: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon and Sandra Bullock.

Rating/Length: R, 2 hours 7 minutes

Brief Synopsis: An assassin with the codename Ladybug accepts a supposedly easy and peaceful assignment, after too many gigs gone wrong. He boards the world’s fastest moving train in Japan, with the intention of completing his mission quickly and leaving the train at the next stop.

Fate has other plans as lethal adversaries from around the world end up on the same train in interconnecting missions. It’s a thrill ride that does not stop as the train hurtles toward the end of the line.

Bullet Train is based on the book by the same name, by author Kotaro Isaka.

Currently playing in theaters.

What I love about this movie: I’m a Brad Pitt fan. That drew me to this movie. What I didn’t expect was the comedic elements that made me literally laugh out loud. The action includes graphic violence however, which earns the film its R rating. What I appreciate most about Bullet Train are the synchronicities portrayed and the interconnected stories that bind the characters together. There’s a reason these strangers are all on the same train and discovering that keeps interest high through the film.

August Movies bullet train — August Movies – Bullet Train

Vengeance

Cast: BJ Novak, Boyd Holbrook, Dove Cameron, Issa Rae, Ashton Kutcher and J. Smith Cameron.

Rating/Length: R, 1 hour 47 minutes

Available on Prime Video HERE.

Brief Synopsis: Ben, a writer and wannabe podcaster from New York City, travels to Texas to attend the funeral of a girl he barely remembers. The young woman’s family believes the two were a couple, with plans to marry. After the funeral the girl’s family enlists Ben’s help to find the person responsible for her death. With the hope of creating a good story, suitable for a podcast, Ben agrees. However, not all is as it seems in Texas. What begins as a search for material for a podcast becomes a true mystery to solve.

What I love about this movie: I knew nothing about this film before watching it, other than reviews were decent. Watching it unfold, I laughed in all the right places and then got caught up in the mystery…and the deeper messages about our society. I definitely thought about this one for a while. BJ Novak wrote, directed and starred in the film, an ambitious undertaking that works.

August Movies vengeance — August Movies – Vengeance

Three Thousand Years of Longing

Cast: Tilda Swinton, Idris Elba and a huge cast of other lesser known actors.

Rating/Length: R, 1 hour 48 minutes

Currently playing in theaters.

Brief synopsis: Dr. Alithea Binnie, an academic content with her solitary life, travels to Istanbul to attend a conference. While there she encounters a Djinn who offers her three wishes, in exchange for his freedom from the bottle he’s been in for thousands of years. Dr. Binnie, a practical woman, hesitates. All stories about making wishes are cautionary tales about wishes gone wrong. The Djinn pleads his case, and inadvertently enforces her caution, with stories from his past.

What I love about this movie: Three Thousand Years of Longing is a beautiful, richly visual film that relies heavily on the art of story telling. And it’s about knowing the deep desires of the heart and allowing those desire to guide our choices…and wishes. I sat spellbound for almost two hours…and left wanting to know more about this film. Of all the movies I watched in August, this is the one I’ll watch again.

August Movies three thousand years — August Movies – Three Thousand Years of Longing

Fall

Cast: Grace Caroline Currey, Virginia Gardner, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Mason Gooding.

Rating/Length: PG-13, 1 hour 47 minutes

Currently playing in theaters.

Brief synopsis: Best friends Becky and Hunter reunite a year after a horrific tragedy causes each to go her own way. Avid adventure climbers before the tragedy, Hunter convinces her friend to join her on a new extreme climb to the top of a 2,000 foot abandoned television tower. The unthinkable happens, after the pair reaches a tiny platform at the top of the tower, stranding the girls. They need their wits and agility, along with endurance, to survive.

What I love about this movie: I expected Fall to play as a B disaster movie, set high above the ground. And it is…and it’s not. It’s more than that, with a good story, dizzying heights and unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed this intense film although it’s not for those afraid of heights. The effects are incredible.

August Movies fall — August Movies – Fall

Beast

Cast: Idris Elba, Leah Jeffries, Iyana Halley and Sharlto Copley.

Rating/Length: R, 1 hour 33 minutes

Currently showing in theaters.

Brief synopsis: A father, who is a doctor, and his two teenaged daughters visit the African Savanna after the death of their wife and mother. They reunite with a family friend, who shows them the Savanna while also sharing with them about the animals living there and the threat of poachers. During their journey, the four become the hunted, pursued by a massive rogue lion.

What I love about this movie: Although not quite as intense as Fall, Beast kept me on edge and provided at least one jump scare. What I appreciate most was the dual story about family,..human and animal kind…and the importance of protecting that family. There’s more to Beast than a lion gone rogue and it’s hard to know exactly who all to cheer for!

August Movies beast — August Movies – Beast

Which August Movies Did You See?

I’m very much enjoying this form of self care. I initially signed up for Regal Unlimited for three months. When my subscription comes up for renewal in September, I’m happy to continue it on a month by month basis. I’m seeing a wider variety of movies and I love that.

Did you catch any of these flicks? Or did you see one that I missed? Tell me about it!

Get Amazon Prime, which include Prime Video, HERE. Free trial for 30 days.

Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

May 30, 2022

Decocrated Summertime Box 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I have a paid affiliate partnership with Decocrated. All opinions are my own.

After a cool and rainy spring, hints of warmer weather tease that summer might actually arrive. To welcome the season, my Decocrated Summertime Box 2022 landed on my front porch, ready to inspire fresh vignettes.

Check out how I used the cute new pieces in my home.

Decocrated Summertime Box 2022

If you are new to Decocrated Curated Home, check out my initial review HERE. This subscription box company specializes in curating home decor that mixes beautifully with what you already own and use. The boxes arrive to your front door four times a year, in time for each new season.

Plus Decocrated members have access to the online Decoshop and add-on boxes that come out around holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter and 4th of July.

The Summer 2022 Box features light wood finishes and a color palette of yellows and blues. This seasonal box contains six pieces that work well with items from previous boxes.

I enjoyed shifting from spring to summer, with a few minor changes.

Decocrated Summertime Box 2022 my happy place — Decocrated Summertime Box 2022 – freshening vignettes for summer

Table Top Vignette

Half of the new summer pieces ended up on the dining room table, blending beautifully with pieces from the spring box.

Forming the foundation for the vignette are the neutral fabric runner from the Spring 2022 box plus the wooden table runner from last year’s spring box.

The versatile wooden pedestal with the wire cage is separated for this vignette. The wire cage serves as a cloche for the new faux plant in a ceramic pot. Even those who don’t have a green thumb can enjoy this plant! It never needs watering.

Clipped into the frame from the Spring 2021 Box is the double sided art card for this spring. I love the “My Happy Place” saying on this side. The flip side offers a botanical print with oranges.

Also new to the 2022 Spring Box is the wooden art block with the reminder to “live simply”. I appreciate the pretty gray and white plaid design on that art block. The small white lavender scented candle came from Scotland.

Finishing this vignette is the pedestal base, holding a fat white pillar candle and a green wreath.

Decocrated Summertime Box 2022 tabletop — Decocrated Summertime Box 2022 – table top

Wood & Metal Wall Shelf

This cute wall shelf is the perfect piece to add to a wall grouping, or to use alone in the living room, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. The light natural wood shelf and black metal details create a distinctive look that works anywhere.

I chose to add the shelf to a grouping on my living room wall. It looks amazing with the large wall clock and a framed collection of photos and art work.

I can easily change the décor on this shelf with the seasons.

Decocrated Summertime Box 2022 wall hanging — Decocrated Summertime Box 2022 – wood and metal wall shelf

Summer Picnics

Summer is the season for eating outside, picnic style. The blue and white woven rug makes a wonderful covering for the picnic table. Or use it as a rug at the front door or as a casual throw over a chair.

I paired the rug with the wood caddy on the backyard picnic table for a simple summer meal. While the caddy works well for silverware and napkins, it’s also a wonderful utility caddy for art supplies or office pens and pencils. Use it in creative or practical ways in any room in the house.

Get the Decocrated Summertime Box 2022

Does it feel like summer where you live? And have you decorated yet for the season?

If you enjoy decorating as a creative way of expressing yourself, like I do, then I have discount code for you, for the Decocrated Summer Box.

Use my code CINDYM20 at checkout to save $20 off this seasonal box or an annual subscription. Click this LINK to order your box and save.

Then, as a Decocrated member, you can purchase holiday add-on boxes when they are available. Additionally, you can shop from their online store that contains hundreds of cute items for your home.

I’m ready for summer! How about you?

Decocrated Summertime Box 2022 wood caddy — Have a picnic with the woven rug and wood caddy from the Decocrated Summertime Box 2022.

Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Decocrated Curated Home. I may earn a commission for items purchased through my links, all at no extra cost to you.

March 24, 2022March 28, 2022

Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I have a paid affiliate partnership with Decocrated. All opinions are my own.

It’s officially spring, the season of rebirth and new beginnings. I love this time of year as my sleeping garden wakes up and the trees bud out. It’s important to me that my home reflects this beautiful season.

The Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 Boxes helped me reset my vignettes and freshen up my décor. Take a peek at how I incorporated these delightful pieces into my home. And take advantage of an AMAZING offer from Decocrated, at the end of the post. If you’ve been interested in this fun home décor subscription box, NOW is the time to grab a box at an incredible discount.

Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022

Plus Decocrated members have access to the online Decoshop and add-on boxes that come out around holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter and 4th of July.

Spring Box 2022

The new spring box celebrates the joy of the season with floras blooming and birds chirping. It features dark natural woods, black metals and dusty sky blue along with hints of rose.

Easter Box 2022

This holiday add-on box, available to Decocrated subscribers only, adds Easter icons such as bunnies and eggs. It features dark natural woods and black metals, to coordinate perfectly with the spring box, and a dusty blue, soft rose and light green color palette.

Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 easter box — Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 – Easter Box

Top Shelf Vignette

All of the new Easter goodies and several from the 2022 Spring Box landed on a top shelf in my dining room. Confession: my “dining room” is actually the room I decorate the most, rather than eat in. It’s situated in the center of my 120+ year old house and I walk through it multiple times a day. Years ago, Greg removed the wall and French doors separating the living room and dining room, creating a large space full of light from the huge windows. I love the flow in these rooms and the natural light.

Look what came together to form this charming vignette.

From the 2022 Spring Box

The wooden pedestal with the bird cage is so versatile. I’m using them together here, with a fat light pink candle and spring candle ring inside. However, you can use the pieces separately too, as a stand to hold anything from cupcakes to collectibles, and as a metal cloche to cover a flower arrangement or a trio of candles.

The adorable blue ceramic birds add a whimsical touch to any vignette. I love birds and own five…so far…sets of ceramic or metal birds. They grace so many of my vignettes, year around. I love this pair of blue birds. And the strand of blue beads is one of two from the Spring Box. The other strand is part of another Easter display.

From the 2022 Easter Box

All of the items from the Easter box are grouped together here.

The long wooden tray with black metal handles forms the foundation for the sweet ceramic bunny holding the pale pink egg, the wooden whitewashed egg with the delicate floral design and the two sided art card in the clip frame. That handy clip frame comes from the Spring 2021 Box. I love it for holding the art cards. On the other side of the Easter card is a collection of colorful eggs. When Easter is over, I’ll go back to the spring art card.

Beneath the pedestal and cage is the pillow cover from the Easter Box. With its blue and white striped pattern, I chose to use it as a runner in this display. I’ll pop a lumbar pillow in it for summer. The cute…and inexpensive…fabric carrots came from Hobby Lobby. You’ll see two more in another vignette.

And hanging on the wall above this fresh vignette is the wooden BUNNY TRAIL sign.

I love how this vignette turned out. It makes me smile every time I walk by it.

Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 bunny trail — Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 – top shelf vignette

Dining Room Table Vignette

On the table I never eat at, rests another grouping from the the Spring 2022 Box with a few of my own décor pieces. I love how I can create something new from what I already own, and the items from Decocrated.

This simple grouping features the glass vase with jute details and the faux lamb’s ear stems, from the 2022 Spring Box, on one end. Accompanying it are items from my collection: a light green votive holder and a pale pink bowl filled with speckled spring eggs.

On the other end, the white wire and metal cloche holds more speckled eggs. And the ceramic bunny and candy dish were made by Greg’s mother in 1961. I’m ever so careful with these vintage handmade items. However, I don’t want to keep them bubble wrapped in a box, never seen or enjoyed. They remind me of my mother-in-law, who passed away in 1999.

The pieces rest on the wooden table runner, from the Decocrated 2021 Spring Box. That runner is my all time favorite item. I use it to hold vignettes and for photo shoots for brands that I work with. I love it so much.

And beneath all is the new fabric table runner from this year’s Spring Box. I love how neutral the checked print is. I can use this runner year around.

Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 table top — Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 – dining table top

Metal Wall Hooks

This black metal wall hook arrived in the 2022 Spring Box. After careful consideration for its location, I settled on the old wooden door in the dining room. Yes, the 120+ year old solid oak door has a crack in it. For me, that’s part of its charm.

The hooks currently hold a vintage Easter egg that came from Greg’s mother, spring wreaths and two more of the fun fabric carrots.

Beneath the hooks sits a short bookcase, holding more spring vignettes. The wooden ladder, perpetual calendar and candle holders are all from Decocrated. The white frame holds a photo of my youngest grandchild, Finley Grace, and art work created by her. And the little white rabbit comes from Hobby Lobby.

Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 hooks — Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 – metal wall hooks

Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 top shelf — Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 – short bookcase top shelf

Refreshed Hot Tea Bar

Although no items from the Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 Boxes are here, I refreshed the hot tea bar. Other Decocrated items landed here though.

The wooden bee cutout sets the theme for this cute redo in the kitchen. I chose a yellow, gold and white color theme for spring/summer. The sled shelf stays up all year with the items on it changing with the seasons. And the tiered tray is perfect for my ceramic teapot, cups and more seasonal décor.

Other decorative items are from Hobby Lobby and Michael’s while the adorable gold snail was a gift from my daughter Adriel and granddaughter Finley. Adriel purchased it from Target.

Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 tea bar — Decocrated Spring and Easter 2022 – hot tea bar

Get Your First Decocrated Box at an Amazing Price

Are you decorating yet for spring or Easter? If you enjoy decorating as a creative way of expressing yourself, like I do, then I have such a great deal for you!

Save a whopping 50% on your first Decocrated box. Use my code CINDYM50 at checkout to purchase the Spring Box. Hurry, because this amazing offer ends on April 21, 2022 at midnight. Click this LINK to order your box and save BIG.

Then, you can purchase the Easter add-on box, as a Decocrated member. Additionally, you can shop from their online store that contains hundreds of cute items for your home. I recently purchased two fun travel themed pieces from the online shop and a wonderful two tiered round wooden tray (pictured below).

What do you love most about spring?

Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Decocrated Curated Home. I may earn a commission for items purchased through my links, all at no extra cost to you.

January 25, 2022

The Power of the Dog

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

It’s award season for movies. On February 8 nominees are announced for the 94th Academy Awards. In preparation, I’m watching the top picked films that may receive the honor of a nomination.

One film, The Power of the Dog, is a stand out already. This Netflix film has garnered a staggering 262 nominations and 183 wins, in a variety of movie categories and award platforms. Those stats placed it high on my “must watch” list.

Check out my movie review and my thoughts about this slow burn drama. No spoilers included.

The Power of the Dog Cast

This western…and I use that term loosely…stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Durnst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Jane Campion wrote the screenplay, based on the novel by Thomas Savage. She directed the film as well.

The Power of the Dog carries an R rating, for sexuality, smoking and mild alcohol use and language. It has a run time of 2 hours and 6 minutes.

Two Brothers

In 1925 Montana, brothers Phil (Cumberbatch) and George (Plemons) carry on managing the ranch, after their elderly parents return to the east to live.

The wealthy brothers share the austere family home, little changed since their childhood, which suits Phil fine. As the elder brother, Phil runs the ranch, inspiring fear and awe in the hired cowboys, and controls his younger sibling. He is rugged and unkept, bathing infrequently in the river, with a severe type of charisma that both attracts and repels others.

While he seldom shows appreciation for anyone else, Phil idolizes the mentor from his youth, Bronco Henry. Not a day goes by on the ranch that Phil doesn’t share a larger than life story about the now dead cowboy.

George lives in his brother’s shadow. Thoughtful, quiet and more refined, he allows Phil to make all of the decisions. And when his brother treats others cruelly, George surreptitiously does his best to smooth over the situation.

That’s how George meets his wife.

The Power of the Dog phil — The Power of the Dog – Phil. played by Benedict Cumberbatch

The Power of the Dog george — The Power of the Dog – George, played by Jesse Plemons

A Mother and Her Son

After driving cattle to a nearby town, Phil, George and the cowboys dine at the local inn. Rose (Durst), widowed with a teenage son, prepares the meal. Peter (Smit-McPhee), a gentle, artistic young man, helps his mother out by serving the rowdy guests. Phil’s taunts and jeers, egged on by the cowboys, brings tears from Rose and Peter.

George stays behind, after dinner, to comfort Rose. That quiet show of tenderness leads to frequent visits, by George, to see Rose. By the time Phil realizes where George is going, and seeks to dissuade him from pursuing Rose, it’s too late. George and Rose married, without Phil’s knowledge or consent.

The somewhat downcast Peter goes away to school, to study medicine. Rose joins her new husband and brother-in-law at the ranch.

The Power of the Dog rose — The Power of the Dog – Rose, played by Kirsten Dunst

The Power of the Dog peter — The Power of the Dog – Peter, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee

A Hellish Summer

Phil strongly dislikes Rose and what he sees as a disruption to his routines and his life. He rebuffs all of her attempts to merge into his family, making her feel unwelcome and unworthy. Rose’s despondency deepens, made worse when her son Peter arrives at the ranch during summer break.

Phil’s taunting now focuses primarily on Peter, who is unaccustomed to ranch life. The young man spends most of his time in his room, studying medical books and performing dissections on field rabbits that he catches.

And then, unexpectedly, Phil softens toward Peter, teaching the boy how to ride a horse and work on the ranch. He shares Bronco Henry tales, hand plaits a rawhide rope for Peter and for the first time, opens up about his own youth.

The sudden friendship between Phil and Peter does nothing to soothe Rose. In fact, she seeks ways to hurt the man she so despises. Is Phil truly changing and becoming more vulnerable? Or is something else going on?

The Power of the Dog love — The Power of the Dog – is love enough?

My Thoughts About The Power of the Dog

I’m not a huge fan of westerns. However, to my delight, The Power of the Dog is less a western than a subtly played out drama. While there are cowboys and a ranch and incredible vistas, the story focuses on the complicated relationships between Phil and George, Phil and Rose and Phil and Peter.

Phil is the central character and he is one angry, manipulative man. And yet, as much as I disliked his cruelty, I first pitied him and then felt unexpected compassion for all that he kept painfully hidden in his life.

There’s a youngness to Phil that hints that he became trapped in his youth…and never grew beyond it. As adults, he and George still share a room, sleeping in twin beds, but sharing space as they did in their childhood. He dislikes bathing, makes up his own rules, resorts to name calling and taunting and rejects outsiders. Rather than share who he is or what he has, he chooses to destroy so others can’t have it.

All four primary actors give outstanding performances. Benedict Cumberbatch should pick up a Best Actor Oscar.

And Jane Campion excellently builds out this complex story. She reveals, layer by layer, until the end brings a surprising twist that immediately made me think, “Now I need to watch it all again.” That’s the power of this film. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

I’ll watch the Oscars, fully expecting this movie to pick up multiple awards. Have you seen The Power of the Dog? What did you think?

December 7, 2021December 7, 2021

Decocrated’s Winter Woodland

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

This is a paid affiliate partnership with Decocrated. All opinions are my own.

As the year winds down, I am thoroughly enjoying my favorite time of year. And I love for my home to reflect the joy that I feel with cozy, eclectic décor. I also love to mix things up and try new things, which is one of the reasons I love the Decocrated Subscription boxes so much. They inspire me and sometimes challenge me, in a good way, to think differently about my home and how I decorate it.

The Decocrated Winter Box, on sale now, truly set me on a path of creating some very different vignettes and displays this season.

Check out Decocrated’s Winter Woodland theme and how it’s showing up in my home.

Decocrated Winter Box 2021

If you’ve never heard of Decocrated Curated Home, check out my initial review HERE. This subscription box company specializes in curating home decor that mixes brilliantly with what you already own and use. The boxes arrive to your front door four times a year, in time for each new season.

Plus Decocrated members have access to the online Decoshop and add-on boxes that come out around holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter and 4th of July.

The Winter Box 2021 features whimsical woodland themed pieces in light wood tones, metal accents, evergreen textures and bold patterns. Although some of the décor items are seasonal, others may be used throughout the year, which I love.

Many of my Decocrated pieces remain in my home year around. They just move to new places and form fresh vignettes. Take a look at the unboxed items from the winter box below…and then see where they landed in my vignettes.

Decocrated's Winter Woodland unboxed — Decocrated’s Winter Woodland unboxed.

Cozy Corner

The winter box includes TWO pillow covers. Many decocrators requested that boxes include not one but two pillow covers. Decocrated listens! These pillows covers fit a standard size square pillow and they are reversible.

One side features an evergreen print in classic green and white. The other side offers a modern and bold black and white plaid. I adore black and white. These pillows will move around my house all year.

I created a cozy corner on the sofa that includes the green woven throw I received in my first Decocrated box, Winter 2019.

Decocrated's Winter Woodland pillows — Decocrated’s Winter Woodland – TWO reversible pillow covers

Dining Room Shelves

The rest of the Winter 2021 Box landed in my dining room…that is really a decorated room that I walk through daily. I never eat in the dining room!

I have a tall set of shelves in this room that I change with the seasons.

Top Two Shelves

It’s ALL Decocrated on the top shelf. From the Winter 2021 Box:

the beautiful wreath that is perfect for a door, a wall or over a mantle
the double sided art card that says Happy Holidays on one side and Baby It’s Cold Outside on the other
the wood and metal tray that can hold any sort of collection imaginable

The other pieces are the wooden candle holders and colored beads from the Fall 2021 Box, the wooden stack of books and clip frame from Spring 2021 Box, the perpetual calendar from Winter 2020 Box and the trio of ceramic trees from the Winter 2019 Box.

The second shelf houses the vintage nativity set made by Greg’s mother about 70 years ago. I treasure this set. And although it would absolutely break my heart if a piece broke, I can’t bear to keep it packed away out of sight. It’s beautiful and precious and an important component of my holiday décor.

Decocrated's Winter Woodland top shelves — Decocrated’s Winter Woodland – top shelves

Bottom Two Shelves

Lots of Decocrated items adorn the bottom two shelves. The beautiful white and light wood evergreen cut-out art can lean against the wall, as I have done, or hang on one. It’s perfect with the grouping of whimsical woodland animals in light wood tones. The set includes a polar bear, fox and squirrel. All are from the Winter 2021 Box. I found the polar bear candle last year at Big Lots.

The wooden village pieces came in the Winter 2020 Box. I love them grouped together in the wood and wire box shelf that Greg made for me. The star ornament adds the finishing touch.

And on the bottom shelf the wooden snowflake arrived in the Winter 2020 Box while the woven basket came in the Fall 2020 one. I bought the trees table art and the JOY sign at Hobby Lobby last year. As you might guess, I LOVE trees!

Decocrated's Winter Woodland bottom shelves — Decocrated’s Winter Woodland – bottom shelves

A Simplified Christmas

I felt inspired this year to simplify my holiday decorating a bit. For the last three years, rather than purchasing a cut Christmas tree, I’ve used the living Norfolk Pine that I’ve had for many years. It’s big enough to serve as a Christmas tree during the holidays.

I tried something different this year. I grouped the Norfolk Pine and my young Ficus Tree with several other plants…and draped them all with twinkling white lights. Okay, there’s one little fake pine tree in the bunch too! However, I love the way this grouping looks, so much so that I have not added any ornaments…yet.

About half of my decorations remain packed in their boxes. I like the simplified look and honestly, I’m in a very busy season of my life right now. Putting less out means putting less up later! Photo at the end of post.

I also love the vignette atop a vintage dresser that now resides in my living room. Christmas décor doesn’t have to be red, green and white. This vignette features items in black, dark wood tones and natural colors and it draws my eyes over and over. The wood and metal tray comes from the Decocrated Winter 2019 Box, the clock from Summer 2021 and the Crescent Moon mirror from the Fall 2021 Box.

The Crescent Moon Wood Art is from True Stock Studios.

Decocrated's Winter Woodland moon — Decocrated’s Winter Woodland – a classy vingette

Is Your House Decorated for the Season?

Are you in the holiday mood? Does your house feature more Christmas décor or more winter items?

Would you like to be a Decocrator too?

Grab your Winter 2021 Box! Click this LINK and then at check out, use my code CINDYM15 to save $15 off your seasonal box. Or subscribe for a year of fun, using the same code.

I’d love to know what your decorating style is and if you change your décor with the seasons. Share in the comments below.

Decocrated's Winter Woodland simple — Simple grouping of plants for my Christmas “tree” this year.

Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Decocrated Curated Home. I may earn a commission for items purchased through my links, all at no extra cost to you.

September 27, 2021

Treats for Halloween from Decocrated

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

This is a paid affiliate partnership with Decocrated. All opinions are my own.

As September draws to a close, I spent the day adding spooky touches to my fall decor. New this season, treats for Halloween from Decocrated. This add-on box for 2021 contains the right blend of spooky vibes and festive fun.

Take a peek at the pieces inside the new Decocrated Halloween Box and see how I switched things up a bit for the upcoming holiday.

Halloween Add-on Box 2021

Plus Decocrated members have access to the online Decoshop and add-on boxes that come out around holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter and 4th of July.

This add-on box celebrates Halloween with hauntingly sweet decor in a festive orange, black and white palette. The Deco Creator for this box is Adriana Cullen, of AC Craftiness.

The collection is pictured below. See where these pieces landed.

Treats for Halloween from Decocrated collection — Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – the 2021 collection

Pillow Talk

The lumbar pillow cover for Halloween 2021 features cobwebs on a black background, on one side, with orange tweed on the flip side. After Halloween, this pillow can remain as a fall pillow, turned to the orange side.

I paired the spooky pillow with the Farm Fresh Pumpkins one I already owned. And I placed both behind a little vignette set up on the wood and tin tray from the very first Decocrated box I received in winter 2019.

On the tray: the wooden candle holders from the fall 2021 box plus fall themed items and a HOME sign from my own collection.

Treats for Halloween from Decocrated pillows — Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – pillow

Dining Room Shelves

Although already decorated for fall, I tweaked these shelves in the dining room, adding Halloween pieces.

On the top shelf, the ladder and linen from the fall 2021 box remain, along with the wooden lantern from the Christmas 2020 box and the flocked pumpkins from fall 2020. I added the BOO tabletop print and the fun wooden bottle cutouts, all from last year’s Decocrated Halloween box.

The second shelf holds black and white stacked pumpkins, a tabletop sign and a simple black vase with orange beads, on one end. At the other end is my rustic wire box holding the black metal clock from summer 2021, an orange candle and the wooden plaque from last year’s fall crate.

And finally, the third shelf is home to my own decor pieces plus the dark green metal pumpkin and colorful wooden beads from the fall 2021 box. The framed art features postcards I bought while on my Italy trip, in 2017.

Treats for Halloween from Decocrated shelves — Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – dining room shelves

Signs of the Season

The crescent moon wall art and the metal plaque both ended up on the covered front porch, ready to welcome visitors.

Bats and stars adorn the Trick or Treat moon sign, while “Enter if you Dare” gives a playful warning on the metal sign. After the holiday, it’s easy to remove both of these signs and return the front porch to fall, until after Thanksgiving.

Treats for Halloween from Decocrated signs — Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – signs of the season

Table Vignette

The rest of the new Halloween items gathered on the dining room table on top of the cloth runner from fall 2020 and the wooden runner from spring 2021.

The crate, filled with black and white pumpkins, comes from the fall 2020 box. I swapped out the wooden signs, moving the Harvest Moon one to the crate for Halloween. The spiderwebs towel is from this fall’s box.

On the other end rests the clip frame, holding the cat silhouette with the words “Trick or Treat”. The black metal “haunted house” is big enough to hold a candle inside. Use an LED candle or a small tea votive in a heat safe container. And the cute ceramic owl bowl is perfect for holding succulents, a small candle or Halloween candies. Mine will soon hold individually wrapped dark chocolates!

Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – table vignette

Bonus Photos

Although they don’t feature items from the Halloween 2021 box, these areas contain pieces from previous Decocrated boxes. Those items really do mix and match well with other Decocrated pieces and your own decorations.

Hot Tea Station

I set up my hot tea station for fall. Decocrated pieces include the sleigh shelf on the wall, the perpetual calendar and the tiered tray. This station, set up last winter for hot cocoa, remained in place all year and I enjoyed it so much. I simply change the decor with the seasons.

Treats for Halloween from Decocrated tea station — Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – tea station

Entry Table

The little entry table switched to a black and white Halloween theme. On the table top, the black metal candle ring from fall 2020 holds white tapers. The wreath with black berries can hang on the wall but I love the way it looks with the candle ring.

And the black and white pillow cover on the bottom shelf is from last Halloween’s box. I bought the cute Hocus Pocus sign last Halloween.

Treats for Halloween from Decocrated hocus pocus — Treats for Halloween from Decocrated – Hocus Pocus

Do You Decorate for Halloween?

Is your house decorated yet for fall? And do you add Halloween pieces too? I’d love to hear about your ideas for the season.

If you’d like to purchase these fun Decocrated add-on boxes, subscribe first, by purchasing a seasonal box or a yearly subscription. Use this link. At checkout, use my code CINDYM15 to save $15 off a single box or a yearly subscription.

Then you can buy an add-on box. Preorders for the Christmas 2021 box are available now!

I’m so excited as we enter this extended time of holiday celebrations. And I love decorating my house this time of year, shifting from fall to Halloween to Thanksgiving and then Christmas. These truly are my favorite months of the year!

Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Decocrated Curated Home. I may earn a commission for items purchased through my links, all at no extra cost to you.

August 2, 2021

Road to the Lemon Grove

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

A couple of months ago, I received info about a film set in Italy. I had opportunities to watch clips and listen in on interviews. I knew this film would go onto my “watch list” as soon as it became available. Perhaps because of my trip to Italy or perhaps because of the soulful journey in the story, I felt drawn to see Road to the Lemon Grove.

Now available for rent or purchase, I spent an afternoon viewing this comedy/drama. And I was right to anticipate it. I enjoyed this movie!

Road to the Lemon Grove Cast

The cast of Road to the Lemon Grove includes Burt Young, Rossella Brescia, Nick Mancuso and Charly Chiarelli.

Dale Hildebrand directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Chiarelli.

The film is unrated (I give it a PG-13 for mild language and brief nudity) and has a run time of 1 hour and 28 minutes.

Road to the Lemon Grove Calogero — Road to the Lemon Grove – Calogero Contatini

The Journey Home

Antonio Contatini (dual role by Chiarelli) stands before heaven’s gates, impatient for admittance. To his consternation, the old man discovers that his mission on Earth isn’t quite finished.

Before he can enter heaven, Antonio must make amends with his son, Calogero (also Chiarelli) and help settle a long running feud in the family. This mission proves difficult, as Calogero doesn’t want anything to do with his father, dead or alive. He wants his father’s spirit to leave him alone.

And Calogero, who is a university professor teaching linguistics, is just as cautious with his late mother’s side of the family. With Antonio gone, Calogero’s uncle Vincent (Young) and the rest of his mother’s family plot to take the lemon grove that they all left behind when they moved from Sicily, Italy.

Antonio lures Calogero back to Sicily, making his son promise to scatter his ashes in the lemon grove.

Road to the Lemon Grove ashes — Road to the Lemon Grove – father’s ashes

Love and Redemption Italian Style

Calogero reluctantly takes his father’s ashes to Sicily. He left Italy with his parents as a baby. His parents never returned home and Calogero experiences Italy for the first time.

As he drives to the tiny town where relatives on both sides of his family still live, he is struck by the beauty of his home country. He pauses to swim in the Mediterranean and thoughtfully walk along narrow streets in small villages. Calogero even bumps into his Italian movie star crush, Maria (Brescia). His ghostly father tries to set the two up, thinking it will make his son happy. The results are hilariously disastrous. However, Calogero and Maria become friends and she accompanies him to scatter the ashes in the lemon grove.

As Calogero travels deeper into the heart and soul of his homeland, Vincent’s son, Guido (Mancuso), arrives to prevent his cousin from claiming the inheritance. Vincent wants the grove and intends sell it. He isn’t afraid to use any means necessary to do so.

The final family confrontation comes down to an elaborate Italian meal and a walk to the lemon grove, where miracles sometimes happen.

Road to the Lemon Grove supper — Road to the Lemon Grove – sharing a meal

My Thoughts on Road to the Lemon Grove

I enjoyed this humorous film. At first it seemed LOUD to me, the way the Italian characters are portrayed. However, I quickly settled into the flow of the story and came to appreciate the intense dialogue and hand gesturing.

I love that Calogero’s classroom teachings about language and culture weave into the storyline, with reminders that America is built on the backs of immigrants from many countries, including Italy. And I savored the Italian landscapes, village streets and structures. There is such beauty throughout Italy. When I visited, we didn’t make it as far south as Sicily. I’d love to experience that region someday.

There are important messages shared in Road to the Lemon Grove, about family, love, culture, forgiveness and redemption. I noticed that as Calogero progresses closer to his family’s home village, he literally sheds his western clothes and persona. After stepping naked into the Mediterranean, he emerges reborn. He leaves most of his clothes behind…the overcoat, suit jacket and tie…traveling onward in a simple shirt and trousers. I love the symbolism.

Road to the Lemon Grove Calogero and Maria — Road to the Lemon Grove – Calogero and Maria

How to Watch This Movie

Currently Road to the Lemon Grove is available for rent or purchase on Amazon. You can get a free Amazon Prime Video trial HERE.

Rent or purchase the movie through this LINK.

And Road to the Lemon Grove is also available to rent on iTunes.

If you watch this warm, funny, soulful film, let me know what you think!

You might also enjoy this review of Emma and this one, Where’d You Go Bernadette.

June 30, 2021

In The Heights

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

How exciting, as movie theaters open back up, to experience a fun summer musical! I had the opportunity to attend a virtual screening for In The Heights ahead of its release date. This movie, though, deserves a big screen viewing!

I happily returned to my local theater, for the first time in over a year, for the thrill of watching this amazing musical as it’s meant to be watched.

Check out my review for In The Heights and then enjoy the first big hit of the summer in a theater near you.

In The Heights Cast

This film version of the Broadway musical stars Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Berrara, Olga Merediz, Jimmy Smits, Gregory Diaz IV and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

In The Heights is directed by Jon M. Chu. The screenplay is based on the musical and music written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Quiara Alegria Hudes contributed to the concept and the screenplay.

The musical carries a PG-13 rating, for mild language and suggestive references, and has a run time of 2 hours and 23 minutes.

In The Heights dance — In The Heights – get ready to dance!

In The Heights Synopsis

The movie focuses on the lives of a variety of people living in northern Manhattan. Washington Heights, referred to simply as “The Heights”, contains small mom and pop shops, thriving and struggling businesses and generations of families.

Dreams of all kinds thrive in this close knit community too. Meet the dreamers and those who encourage them.

Usnavi

At the heart of The Heights is Usnavi (Ramos), who runs a little neighborhood bodega. Everyone in the community stops by every morning for coffee and perhaps a lottery ticket. Usnavi sells both while offering encouraging words of advice.

Usnavi nurtures a sueñito, a little dream he’s carried since his childhood. He dreams of purchasing and reviving his deceased father’s beach café in Dominican Republic. After saving and scrimping for years, it seems that Usnavi’s dream is finally within reach.

Usnavi’s younger cousin, Sonny (Diaz IV), helps in the bodega and pushes his cousin to ask Vanessa out. Sonny dreams of going to college, a difficult sueñito to fulfill as his family cannot afford it and the boy is an undocumented immigrant.

In The Heights Usnavi — In The Heights – Usnavi and Vanessa

Vanessa

Vanessa (Barrera), is Usnavi’s love interest, although she doesn’t know that. She works at the neighborhood salon. However the salon is relocating to the Bronx, due to increasing rent. Vanessa’s sueñito is to rent her own apartment downtown and become a fashion designer.

Her dream gets an immediate setback when her application for the apartment is denied, due to a lack of credit.

Kevin Rosario and His Daughter Nina

Kevin (Smits) owns and operates the neighborhood taxi company. He employs Benny (Hawkins). Nina (Grace) returns home from her first year at Stanford. She is fulfilling her father’s dream. However, Nina comes home to tell him that she’s dropping out of college due to loneliness and financial strains. Nina misses The Heights and feels out of place at Stanford.

Kevin sold off half of the building he owns, to pay for Nina’s college education. He is not easily deterred from seeing his daughter graduate from Stanford.

Benny loves Nina. With him, Nina finds life simpler. However, she worries about the future and struggles with self doubt. Benny reminds her of what’s important and tells her that she is destined for greatness.

In The Heights Benny, Nina and Kevin — In The Heights – Benny, Nina and Kevin

Abuela Claudia

The matriarch of the neighborhood, Abuela (Merediz) took Usnavi in as a boy and raised him. While not actually related to him, this kind and wise woman serves as his… and everyone’s…abuela. She remembers her childhood in Cuba, where she and her mother lived in poverty.

In New York, Claudia endured hardships and overcame challenges to get to where she is today. Her role is to encourage everyone else to pursue their dreams and never give up. Abuela’s favorite words are “paciencia y fe”…”patience and faith”.

In The Heights Abuela — In The Heights – the matriarch, Abuela Claudia

A Summer to Remember

In The Heights, summer brings record breaking temperatures. The whole neighborhood closes down early one day and everyone heads to the community pool to cool off.

On the way there, Usnavi learns that one of the lottery tickets the bodega sold won $96,000. When he shares the exciting news, the whole neighborhood goes wild, each person imaging what he or she could do with that money.

The heat continues. Mr. Piraguero (Miranda), who sells snow cones, sadly sings about how the new ice cream truck in the neighborhood is stealing his business.

A black out occurs, due to the extreme heat, and the whole neighborhood shuts down for days. It’s a breaking point for some…and a time of shift and change for others…and a time for making dreams come true for a few, in unexpected ways.

Summer In The Heights — Hot summer In The Heights

My Thoughts About In The Heights

As stated, this movie is a musical, which is one of my favorite genres. The characters sing much of the dialogue. And they dance too!

I love this musical. It beautifully showcases the richness of the Latin culture through music and dance. And it shines a brilliant light on the importance of family, community and encouraging one another toward the realization of dreams.

Those themes thrill me. As a dreamer myself, I love watching the different characters discover more about who they are as dreams shift, change and manifest. I appreciate the closeness of the community and how generations of people pave the way for each new generation.

This is such a fun film. I can’t help but smile and tap my foot over the musical numbers. The movie goers in my theater applauded with me at the end.

We all have dreams. The time has come. Let In The Heights inspire you to keep pursuing yours. Catch it at your local theater or on HBOMax.

Did you enjoy this review? Check out this one too: Nomadland

Get the In The Heights movie soundtrack HERE.

May 27, 2021August 31, 2021

It’s Time for Summer with Decocrated

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

This is a paid affiliate partnership with Decocrated. All opinions are my own.

Do you know what time it is? It’s time for summer with Decocrated!

In spite of May’s cool, rainy days I know summer is almost here. I know because my Decocrated Summer Box arrived, in a cheery, bright yellow carton. It provided the inspiration I needed to bring summer vibes into my home.

May brought lots of cool spring weather AND days full of exciting opportunities for me, as a blogger. I’ve never experienced such a busy May. It was fun to set aside a day to unpack my Decocrated box and go into puttering mode.

Puttering is spending time in a relaxed way doing small tasks. I excel at puttering around. And in one afternoon I reset my home, from spring to summer.

It’s still raining today. However, inside my house, summer is here!

Decocrated Summer 2021 Box

Plus Decocrated members have access to the online Decoshop and add-on boxes that come out around holidays such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter. There’s a brand new Americana box on its way to me now!

As summer arrives, after the strangest 14 months in recent history, we can bee-lieve it’s going to “bee” sensational! The Decocrated Summer Box celebrates with warm yellows and cool blues that bring the summer vibes.

This sweet box combines bees and hints of lemon, cherry woods, black metals, handwoven textiles and bright patterns. Kim Nevo is summer’s Deco Creator.

Check out this short unboxing video…and then let’s decorate!

Bringing Summer Into the House

I’ve enjoyed the Decocrated boxes for almost two years. What I love about this home decor company are these two things:

One, all the pieces work with each other, with items from previous boxes (with the exception of a few very specific holiday pieces) and with my own decorating style and decor items.

And two, receiving the new pieces challenges me to create something different, something fresh. I love such challenges. If I do what I’ve always done, I get what I’ve always had. Decocrated pushes me to try new things, decorate with pieces in interesting ways and “go beyond”…which is what I’m all about. Getting creative ramps up the decorating fun.

Here’s where the summer box pieces found a home.

Summer Lumbar Pillow Cover

Most Decocrated boxes contain a seasonal pillow cover. What a simple way to freshen a corner of the room, changing out pillow covers.

The fun bee and lemon print on the lumbar pillow cover shifts the mood in my cozy corner on the sofa. Paired with last summer’s yellow pillow cover, it brings the spirit of the outdoors into the living room. The wooden and metal tray, from winter 2019 , holds gardening books and a miniature watering can.

It's Time for Summer with Decocrated pillows — It’s Time for Summer with Decocrated – pillows

Wall Ledge

This ledge is perfect for holding small keepsakes, bathroom toiletries or a seasonal vignette.

I really needed something to hold my wee treasures from Scotland. My bedroom is intentionally evolving into an extremely supportive space that contains messages and symbols that carry significance for me.

Mounted beneath my tapestry from Thirlestane Castle, in the Scottish Borders, this shelf is the ideal size for an assortment of favorite items from that beautiful country.

It's Time for Summer with Decocrated shelf — It’s Time for Summer with Decocrated – wall ledge

Wooden Bee

Designed to hang on the wall, layer up with other items, or prop against anything…this bee can literally flit around the house and fit in anywhere.

For now, my bee is nestled inside my rustic wire and wood box, on a shelf in the dining room. Here in this box, the cutout reminds me of a bee resting on a screen door. How summer time is that?!

It's Time for Summer with Decocrated bee — It’s Time for Summer with Decocrated – wooden bee

Double Sided Art Print

The double sided art print features a bee on one side and a quote on the other. It’s perfectly presented on the clip frame that arrived in the spring box. On a whim, I can flip the art print over to the “I love you like bees love honey” side.

The perpetual calendar is from the winter box. I happened upon the JUST BEE sign at Hobby Lobby. It’s perfect for this little grouping in the dining room bookcase. After I took a set of photos, I decided to add a yellow and white checked linen. It gives the shelf a pop of color, with all the wood elements.

It's Time for Summer with Decocrated just bee — It’s Time for Summer with Decocrated – art print

It's Time for Summer with Decocrated just bee 2 — It’s Time for Summer with Decocrated – full shelf

Table Clock, Wooden Arch and Boho Basket

The vignettes on the small bookcase are my favorites this season.

I love the black metal table clock. Hanging on a faux leather strap, the clock brings to mind a large pocket watch. It looks wonderful grouped with the wooden arch with black accent pieces and the black metal candle holder from spring 2020. This versatile clock will show up in many places in my house, in the upcoming months.

The woven basket from fall 2020 balances out the top shelf. I’ve found myself drawn to muted neutrals lately. I’ll use the black and grey fringed runner beneath the vignette year around.

On the second shelf, the new boho basket is made from natural materials with a dark blue accent edge. I tipped it on its side and layered in a rolled Decocrated wrap and some linens. On the other side of the shelf, those black metal lanterns from last year’s Halloween box still bring me joy. I dropped a couple of tea lights into them. They are two of my favorite Decocrated items.

It's Time for Summer with Decocrated happy — It’s Time for Summer with Decocrated – happy vignette

What Time is it at Your House?

Is it time for summer yet, in your house? Or is it time for some fresh decor?

Click this link to get your Summer Box now. Use my code CINDYM15 to save $15 off the seasonal box or a yearly subscription.

What’s your favorite Decocrated summer item? And where would it go in your home? I’d love to see your summer decor.

Cindy Goes Beyond is an affiliate with Decocrated Curated Home. I may earn a commission for items purchased through my links, all at no extra cost to you.

April 26, 2021

Nomadland

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

The Academy Awards aired last night, April 25, two months later than normal. And as I have since my toddler days, I watched with rapt attention as Oscars were handed out.

My intention to write a review for the winner of the Best Picture category involved some faith. This year, due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the film industry because of COVID, I saw six of the nine nominated movies. Typically I watch all of them. With theater closures and most of the films on different streaming services, I felt fortunate to see six of them!

Happily Nomadland, the Oscar winner, ranked among the films I viewed.

Nomadland Cast

Nomadland stars Frances McDormand and David Strathairn. Most of the rest of the cast, including Linda May, Bob Wells and Charlene Swankie, are actual nomads or locals.

This drama is based on the non-fiction book by the same name, written by Jessica Bruder. Director Chloe Zhao also wrote the screenplay. The film carries an R rating, for mild adult themes, and has a run time of 1 hour and 47 minutes.

Nomadland received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing and Best Cinematography. It won for Best Picture, Best Actress (McDormand) and Best Director (Zhao).

Becoming a Nomad

Fern (McDormand), a woman in her 60s, finds herself without a home. Following the death of her husband and the economic collapse of the company town they lived in, Fern stays in the tract house they shared, until she’s forced out.

With no place to go, Fern stores most of her belongings, purchases a second hand van and embarks on a journey. She travels from state to state, town to town, looking for employment. Fern lives life on the fringes of society, a nomad without roots.

Nomadland nomads — Nomadland – friends and nomads, Fern and Linda May

Finding Community

While working a seasonal job at an Amazon fulfillment center, Fern befriends Linda May, a nomad who invites her to a desert gathering. There Fern meets Dave (Strathairn), a fellow traveler, and Bob Wells, who provides a support system and a community for nomads.

This group of sincere and self reliant souls teach Fern survival skills and rules for the road. No one in the group stays in one place for long. Soon it’s just Fern and an older woman named Swankie left in the desert campsite.

The two women develop a friendship as Swankie teaches Fern more self sufficiency skills. Before she too hits the road again, Swankie reveals that she has cancer. However, she assures Fern that she’s lived a good life, traveling the country. The sights she’s seen and the experiences she embraced make her feel like she’s done enough. Her life is complete.

The Nomad Life

At her next job, as camp host at an RV park with Linda May, Fern reconnects with Dave. The two find their relationship comforting, if a bit awkward at times.

Through long conversations, Fern convinces Dave to visit his son, and meet his daughter-in-law and new grandson. Although Dave invites Fern to accompany him, she refuses. The two part ways.

When her rusty old van breaks down, requiring funds for repairs, Fern is forced to visit her own family. Her sister and brother-in-law live very different lives. To an observer, Fern’s family is successful and well situated. To Fern, after a year of the nomad life, her sister’s life is stifling. The time spent in her sister’s cozy home creates a longing, however, for connection. Is she missing out by constantly moving from location to location and spending so much time alone?

Fern accepts an invitation to spend the holidays with Dave and his family. It’s a lovely time with good people. However, is she ready to settle into a “normal” life? Or is the call of the open road too strong?

Nomadland friends — Nomadland – Fern and Dave

My Thoughts About Nomadland

Initially, I felt drawn to this film because of the nomad lifestyle. Who hasn’t dreamed of taking off in an outfitted van, to explore the country? I actually follow several #vanlife accounts on Instagram and the photos they share of their adventures are inspiring. The beauty of that nomadic lifestyle creates a longing in me.

What Nomadland shows is the other side of such a lifestyle. For some, the nomadic life is forced upon them. Those individuals find it cheaper to live on the road and in free campsites rather than in traditional homes. Some older adults discover they can’t survive on monthly social security checks. Instead, they travel from job opportunity to job opportunity, working for a season and then moving on, for as long as they are able to.

Nomadland highlights a different kind of beauty, a stark one, found in solitude and community, living simply and sharing what you have. The nomads don’t post glamourous photos. They survive, one day at a time. And they help each other whenever they “meet down the road”. There’s rawness in the nomadic lifestyle, as portrayed in this film, along with courage and honesty.

Deserving of the Oscar Win

Does Nomadland deserve the Oscar for Best Picture? Yes, I believe it does even though I feel like The Father was deserving too, for very different reasons.

Therefore, see both movies. Let them unsettle you, stir your compassion and open your eyes to different realities. Let the struggles that others endure shift your perspectives and broaden your views. Both films did that for me.

If you’ve seen Nomadland, let me know your thoughts about the movie, in the comments below!

Going Farther

Pick up a copy of the book by Jessica Bruder HERE.

Or purchase the movie, as a download, with this LINK.

Nomadland is also showing in select theaters across the US.