Ethel and 41

This weekend I watched the documentaries Ethel and 41 on HBO GO. First of all let me just start by saying that I LOVE documentaries, and HBO GO has a few really great ones right now so be sure to check them out.

Image  via Capitol File Magazine

I first heard about the documentary Ethel while watching the news and when I learned that I could watch it was online I was thrilled. Ethel is a documentary about Ethel Kennedy, the wife of the late Robert Kennedy. The documentary was directed and produced by Ethel’s 11^th child, Rory Kennedy. The film offers a deeper look into the life of Ethel Kennedy, who really is a fascinating woman. There are short clips of home movies that show Ethel Kennedy as a young girl and then as a mother and of course as the wife of Robert Kennedy. The documentary provides a glimpse into her life, as she constantly stood by her husband and supported him throughout his career. Many of Ethel Kennedy’s children participated in the film, telling stories about their mother. The film really opened my eyes into what an amazing woman Ethel Kennedy is, and how strong she was after the death of Robert Kennedy. I learned a great deal not only about her life when Robert Kennedy was alive, but the role she took on after his death and her ongoing involvement in politics today.

Image via CultureMap Houston

After watching Ethel, in browsing through some of the other documentaries online I found 41. The documentary 41 chronicles the life of George H.W. Bush, the 41^st President of the United States. The documentary includes interviews with President Bush about his life growing up, and his life after his marriage to his wife Barbara, the death of his daughter Robin, and his time not only as President of the United States but also as Vice President for Richard Nixon and the significant events that marked both of these times in the White House. I learned so much about President Bush’s role before making it to the White House, including his work abroad in China and then for the C.I.A.

Both Ethel Kennedy and George H.W. Bush have fascinating stories and these documentaries are worth watching. Not only are Mrs. Kennedy and President Bush both members of important families in our country, but also they have both done so much in public service and these documentaries are a great tribute to all of their successes.  

Thankful

So I’ve been working on a few posts for the blog, but I decided to hold off on posting them for a few days and write about an experience that really has changed my outlook on life.

This past Thursday was a normal day for me, that is, until I went on a run and passed out….

Naturally there is more to the story, so here it is…  

I came to after a few seconds or so and found myself being helped off the sidewalk by some pedestrians. After realizing that I was going to be okay I instantly became so grateful for the kind people that stopped their days to help me- one man even got out of his car and left it running in the middle of the road. I was alone and scared, but these people really comforted me and cared for me until an ambulance arrived.

Being a college student you are kind of stuck between being a child and being an adult and honestly it was so comforting to have these people helping me out.

I had never met any of them before, I didn’t know their names, and until they asked, they didn’t know mine, but I am so thankful for their kindness, and as I was talking to one of my friends about what happened we both agreed that my faith in humanity was restored a bit after this.

It may seem weird that a small thing like this and these people helping me can really change a person, but I feel like, more so now than ever before, that I owe it to these people and to myself to pay it forward and help someone else in need.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in living our lives, and I know recently I’ve been so busy that I have neglected things or just simply taken my life for granted.

But sitting on that sidewalk with those people knowing deep down that I was going to be okay has sparked something inside of me.

I have been reminded to live each day to the fullest and really appreciate everything I have, the people that surround me, and the things I am able to do living in this country. As I was being taken away in the ambulance I was overcome with emotion of just how grateful I am to live somewhere where there is modern medicine and people that care for others.

Needless to say, I have been changed for the better because of this. I might have scrapes and bruises on my body from my fall, but I have a greater appreciation for this world that I live in and the people and things that I have. 

Thanks for letting me share this with you all and I’ll be back soon with more posts.

Weekly Favorites

Hello all-
Sorry I've been away from this blog for a while, but now that I'm back in the swing of things here at BU, I'd like to start consistently posting here. I've decided to start with a weekly posting of my favorite things, from art work, to DIYs, to inspiring quotes, and anything that I'm loving and has captured my attention within the last week. So here's what I've got for the first post of the series...

Hot air ballon rides (image via)

Loving this new trend of navy nail polish

Adding this bracelet to my wish list (beautiful and benefits breast cancer research)

Wanting one of these iPhone cases

Some inspirational words

Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin loaf recipe, need I say more?

Covergirl Outlast lipstain in Scarlet Pucker

Until next time... enjoy!