Revisiting To Kill a Mockingbird: A Movie Night with a Twist

Written October 13, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today was a nice day. The temperature exceeded 85F, but the wind was still cold, making the temperature relatively comfortable. On a day like this, I just want to sit, relax, and have a lazy day. My wife had a plan for us.

My wife read “To Kill a Mockingbird” this September and wanted to watch the movie. She has been planning to watch the film since last week. 

My wife does not watch movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos, so she rarely suggests this type of activity, such as watching movies. She has trouble sitting still and watching anything for a long time. She watches movies, usually intending to analyze a film. Many people would have popcorn for a movie; my wife has a notepad and water bottle. Since she was, in part, watching the film as an academic exercise, she was more willing to sit through it. I love watching movies, so I am always happy to watch them with her.

I watched this film in high school after we had read and analyzed the book. Rewatching the movie brought back some childhood memories. My wife told me the book is now banned in some parts of the United States. The movie was rated as 18+. Many high school children would not even watch the movie at school. 

After watching the movie, we talked about it. My wife wondered which color suit Atticus (Gregory Peck) was wearing. She thought it was likely gray, but I pointed out tan would also make the color. 

She also talks about the differences between the books. Although we both agree the difference would not change, it was not too significant to the point of killing the author’s intention. She was interested in how they expressed the book’s Southern Gothic part. I, on the other hand, was distracted by how the shadow of Boo was portrayed when Jem was at Boo’s house. My wife said all perceptions are memories of young children; they could not be accurate, and vividly remembering things is primarily memorable to them. 

I think we had a good day overall. We watched a good movie and had a good conversation about it.

The Tiramisu Tale: A Sweet Connection Between Two Countries

Hello Wonderful Readers,

 

Today is special. A dear friend of mine is coming over, and to mark the occasion, I’ve decided to whip up a batch of tiramisu. Interestingly, this dessert holds a cherished memory for my wife and me.

 

I made this sweet treat the first time I set foot in Canada to visit and stay with her. That visit was an eye-opener in more ways than one. As we wandered through a local grocery store, I was genuinely surprised at the subtle differences from the American stores I frequented. The most striking distinction was the bilingual packaging, showcasing English and French labels. It gave everything a unique touch, making even mundane shopping trips a cultural experience.

 

But what caught my eye the most was in the bakery aisle — a packet of ladyfingers. Now, ladyfingers weren’t common in the US stores I had been to, so spotting them was a real treat. For those unaware, ladyfingers are an essential component of tiramisu. With newfound excitement, we bought several packages throughout my stay. And you’ve guessed it, each pack transformed into a delicious pan of tiramisu.

 

Over time, this dessert has earned a special place in our hearts. My wife often declares it her favorite and friends and family request it frequently for gatherings and feasts. The creamy layers infused with coffee and the soft bite of the ladyfingers make it a hit every time. I genuinely relish the process of making it and witnessing the joy it brings to those tasting it.

 

Reflecting on this, everyone should have a signature dessert up their sleeve. Something that can be the star of any party or a sweet gesture for a loved one. It doesn’t just satiate taste buds but also helps create lasting memories.