Life

I don't often blog about the non-film world. But on this particular day - steeped as it is in a profound sense of loss - I don't believe it too twee to take a moment to be grateful and indeed celebrate life.

In any case, indulge me while I go a bit Dooce on you.

Those of you on Facebook or Twitter will know I have an extra special reason to be all with the pom poms about life, for on Wednesday (09/09/09) my niece joined the world.

This on Wednesday morning:

Was followed much later by this (a mere hint of the sheer hysteria to follow):


My sister-in-law, wow, what a trooper. What a rock star. And my dear big brother, so patient, protective and effortlessly paternal. I'm still busting with pride for them both.

So yesterday, I waited incredibly impatiently (and given all the writing I have to do, very unproductively!) to meet my niece, Hana. Fortunately there were the internets to distract me, and a Twitter film friend threw me a curve ball:

I didn't want to make it easy for myself, so immediately discounted all Disney/Pixar fare. What immediately sprung to mind was the following:

Bella Marta (Mostly Martha) - a lovely story of aunt and niece, and cooking! Also in my beloved Deutsch. Definitely not to be confused with the Hollywood remake, No Reservations (even if it was directed by Aussie Scott Hicks).

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - doesn't really need an explanation. Though here's hoping this isn't how Hana learns to wag school!

Pride & Prejudice - yes the Joe Wright version, but may cheat and bust out the BBC mini-series as well.

Marie Antoinette - see where I'm going with the strong, female characters? Also I love this film, its style, its playful take on history and Versailles! Ahh, need I say more?

And last but by no means least, some Chaplin. I didn't specify, but perhaps Modern Times or The Great Dictator (for some more history love) - point being I'll be dishing out some cinematic history.

And then FINALLY yesterday afternoon rolls around and I make a beeline for the hospital. Bearing gifts, naturally, this is my first (well, not including the baby-shower pressie) gift for Hana:


Suuuuper cute, right? The delightful toy elephant is by an Australian designer Kate Finn. I actually had a bit of a hard time parting with her, she's just that sweet. The Frenchie card is one I came across in Ariel bookstore in Paddington (a very dangerous, but favourite place to visit) - it jumped out at me not only because it complements the toy perfectly (do you see that beret?!), but crafty friend Kate had already blogged about the designers.

Upon seeing the soft-toy, my film brain immediately thought of this:



While the card just screams Jacques Tati to me. Oh hey, and then you have the whole Mon Oncle connection (too long a bow?).

Well, what do you know, this post turned out to be quite filmy after all!

Welcome to this weird and wonderful world, my darling niece. I can't wait to share it with you.