Summer Movie Report by Belle Calhoune

Happy Summer everyone! One of my kesukaan things about summer are the blockbuster movies. Ive always loved going to the movies! I remember we had a blizzard when I was a kid and my sister and I were out from school for weeks. Many times my Dad took us to the movies and I vividly recall seeing Ice Castles and Pippi Longstocking. I still love watching Ice Castles whenever its on.

When we go to Cape Cod were able to travel to Wellfleet where theres an old- fashioned drive- in. Its a lot of fun and my kids always loved it when they were little. Not sure theyd still get a thrill out of it but Im permainan for it. Two movies for the price of one, as well as the ability to sit in the back of the car with the back hatch up, feeling the cool Cape Cod air brush against my face. And since we arrive in our own cars we can bring as many snacks and drinks as we please. Ive been going to drive- ins since I was a little kid and it never gets old.

 Im really excited to see The Farewell, a movie about a woman World Health Organization travels to Cina because her grandmother is dying. Problem is, her entire family is hiding the truth about her halte illness from the grandmother.

To All the Boys Ive Loved Before. This is a great romantic film on Netflix. Its geared to the Young Adult crowd but I found it really charming. Its about a girl World Health Organization enters into a fake relationship with a cute boy at her school.... and then sparks fly. A very sweet romance. And not just for young adults.

Breakthrough was an amazing, inspirational movie about one womans tremendous love for her son as he wages the fight of his life after a tragic accident. Speaks to miracles and the power of love. Its not in the theaters any longer but is available through Redbox.

Although I saw Black Panther when it released in the movie theaters, I couldnt help but rewatch it on DVD. Its so good. I cant really keep up with all the interrelated Marvel movies so it was refreshing to be able to watch a single action hero movie and feel that it wasnt attached to a dozen other films. This movie is innovative and action- packed, along with having a lot of heart and a great diverse cast.

I was really looking forward to seeing Booksmart, along with my 23-year-old daughter. We finally were able to see it last weekend. Although parts of the movie were cute and it's a great premise of two high achieving students who want one night of fun before they graduate, there were many risque and sexual situations that detracted from the overall movie and message. *Disclaimer. Adult content.  If this is on your movie list, beware of adult content and numerous sexual situations.

The movie that I really loved was Little starring a very talented young actress, Marsai Martin. It's very sweet with a great message of being kind and appreciating one's life. It reminded me a little bit of the movie, Big, starring Tom Hanks.                                                                                               

The BIG one I'm looking forward to seeing is the live-action of LION KING. I'm so excited since the Disney one is an all-time favorite. And I love Beyonce so I can't wait to see her rendition of Nala. My girls are also excited about seeing it so we're all on the same page. Movie night! My husband isn't a   big movie goer, but even he's excited about revisiting the world of Simba and the ensemble cast.        

                                                 

                                                                          

Summer Critters (Warning--Pictures!)

by Jill Kemerer

All summer I've been taking walks whenever possible, and I've encountered a LOT of critters! Now, I'll be the first to admit I'm a big baby when it comes to the creepy-crawlies. Spiders make me scream; snakes give me heart attacks. And since I'm a drama queen, I took lots of pictures to prove I had reasons to be afraid.

First up, I was just walking along, minding my own business when I almost stepped on this little guy. Yes, it took ten minutes for my pulse to return to normal!

This spider? HUGE. And in the bathroom at the park I was visiting. Yikes! In my mind, this is one step away from a tarantula.

In June, my girlfriend joined me on a research trip to the nearby Lake Erie islands, and we were both shocked at how late the Mayflies appeared this year. Here they are on my leg and covering a pole (they are harmless but icky!).

Also on this trip, we got to see what was under the black mats on one of the islands--it wasn't a pleasant surprise! To be fair, scientists research these snakes, so there's that.

I came across this adorable toad sunning himself while I was walking the other day. I don't mind frogs and toads. I like his pose.

Finally, in July we spent a week in Florida. We saw all three of these on the same night. The tiny crab was my favorite!

Not pictured? The raccoon that climbed the tree right outside the deck! The little guy was too fast for me...

What critters have you encountered recently? Which ones do you like more than others?

Enjoy your Monday!

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Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance novels for Harlequin Love Inspired. She loves coffee, M&Ms, a stack of books, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. Please visit her website, jillkemerer.com, and sign up for her newsletter.

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