The Wife-An Award-Winning Movie about Writing and Writers

We saw this movie on Netflix just recently. We enjoyed the movie so much as it reminded me of my article in my blog wondering if good writers are born or made. **(https://myarticlesfromviewshound.blogspot.com/search?q=born+writers, 12/11))

One sentiment in the movie that all writers should know: No matter how good or accomplished is your writing, if no one reads it, it will just rot in the book shelves.

Here's the trailer:

https://youtu.be/d81IM0loH7o

If you have not seen it, it will be worth your time. Here's what Wikipedia says:

The Wife is a 2017 drama film directed by Bjõrn L. Runge and written by Jane Anderson. It is based on the novel of the same name by Meg Wolitzer. It stars Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce, and Christian Slater. The story follows a woman who questions her life choices as she travels to Stockholm with her narcissistic husband, who is set to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.

The film premiered on September 12, 2017, at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, and was released in the United States on August 17, 2018 by Sony Pictures Classics. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with Close's performance garnering high praise. Close won the Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress for her performance, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress.

**Excerpts from my article on my blog about writers( born or made) and writing:

Most writers that I know write because they love writing. To them writing is just like breathing. These born writers do not work hard to create an excellent article, because their writing comes from the heart and their soul. Others write with a lot of work, training and pain. Good writers run in the family as exemplified by the family of Stephen King. Most writers however are made and only become good writers through hard work and constant practice. The most common traits of good writers are patience and persistence, whether their writing talent is inborn or just developed.

Allow me to quote Jan Bird from her recent article, The Writing Bug. "Writing for me right now, is like love. It isn't something I do, it happens to me. It takes me completely by surprise when I least expect it and then it absolutely refuses to let go until it wants to. It's intoxicating and irrational".

Life in Marinduque without a Driver, Housekeeper and Cook

Reminiscing our snow birding lifestyle in the Philippines in March of 2012.



Last March(2012) during our snow birding sojourn in the Philippines, Miko, our pet dog( see photo above) was our only companion, 24 hours a day except when our laundry lady and two temporary workers are here in Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines to do their gardening duties. Our driver/caretaker and cook/housekeeper(husband and wife team) were on their two weeks paid vacation and two weeks of paid sick leave. Thus, I got to feed Miko every day as well as exercise him in the beach every afternoon 15 minutes before sunset. Miko understands both English and Filipino commands such as sit, move and let's go as well as "kain na"( eat), alis( get way) etc.... Miko loves American food and leftovers. His favorite is Chicken Macaroni salad and Italian Spaghetti( not the sweet Filipino spaghetti).

My other duty was to drive Macrine to the public market in downtown Boac. This is the job, I really do not enjoy, because the public market stinks, specially the FISH section. The open market is always crowded and not many parking spaces. Luckily, I have to do this only once a week. Speaking of driving in Marinduque: Driving here requires that you toot your horn more often. It also teaches you how to expertly maneuver overtaking the slow tricycle drivers as well as carefully passing jeepney drivers who drop and pick up passengers in the middle of the road. In addition to the inconsiderate jeepney drivers, you have to watch out for pedestrians, small children, dogs and chickens crossing the national road without any warning.

However, after driving to downtown Boac (10 KM one way) and to downtown Gasan (12 KM one way) for one month, I feel more at ease, thus, do not missed the services of our driver. On the other hand, Macrine really missed the services of our housekeeper and cook. Macrine does not mind cooking( we purchased 90% of our meals from local restaurants), but hates washing the dishes. We do not have a dishwasher here( we do have a washing machine), so dish washing have to be done manually. Macrine hates the grease and oil that sticks on the plates, so she has to boil water to rinse and clean the dishes every time.

At the end of March, our Driver and Housekeeper returned to their normal duties. We feel we are back in Paradise. But, remember that there is no perfect place on earth. Paradise only exists in your heart and mind. But to my mind, Marinduque is paradise when you have help in your daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning the house, driving, gardening and other errands.

This is indeed close to perfect living especially when you compared it to our daily activities in Northern California-our primary residence. Here in Northern California, Macrine and I do all the household duties, driving, gardening, grocery shopping, since we can not afford the services of a personal driver and housekeeper and cook. Occasionally we hired a cleaning lady to clean the whole house.

Note: If you have been following my blogs, we are called "snowbirds". We have a new friend from Toronto, Canada who commented when he learned of our lifestyle. "So you are "snowbirding" every year"? I am envious of your lifestyle. Yes, Indeed and we loved snowbirding and if you are envious, we understand why.

Photo Memories of Our Younger Years

Macrine and I treasured the following photos as we count our blessings celebrating our 62nd wedding anniversary in this whole month of May, 2019. We thank you Lord everyday and until our last breath on this Planet-Earth.

Me and Eric(RIP), 1937

Macrine and Sister Guia(RIP), 1939

My Boys Scout Years( 1945-1946)

My Elementary School Graduation Photo, 1947

Monthly Socials, University of the Philippines, 1952

Macrine, BS degree in Commerce graduation with Parents( Bernardo Jambalos and Elena Nieva),1956

Honeymoon, Quezon City.

Wedding Day-May 8, 1957

Wedding Cake Ceremony, May 8, 1957 -Notice the miniature replica of the Circular Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice, Diliman as the cake decor

Ten Encouraging Thoughts in Aging Gracefully

Sunset from the Balcony of the Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

I received this e-mail today. I do not know the author, but has been circulating in the Web. I can identify with the sentiments of this article. If you are retired this is a must read for you. If not passed it on to your older friends and relatives. An encouraging suggestion.....to share.

Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age. Or 70! Or 75! Or whatever is your age now! Life can begin now, it is all in your hands! Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them. Here are ten encouraging thoughts to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.

1. Never say I am ‘aged': There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.

2. Health is wealth: If you really love your kith and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.

3. Money is important: Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through. If your children are grateful and they will take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.

4. Relaxation and recreation: The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.

5. Time is precious: It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that every day you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.

6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.

7. Enlightened selfishness: All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything in return. Perform a random act of kindness daily.

8. Forget and forgive: Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.

9. Everything has a purpose: Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.

10. Overcome the fear of death: We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is that your life on earth is not eternal, earth is not your home perpetually. Your love ones will miss you but the memories live on, you can be an example for them to carry on! Last but most important, you have a God who loves and cares for you! You have a future and a hope in Him....you have a choice...life can begin NOW..... So, are you aging gracefully or miserably?

Some members of the David Katague Clan- 2018
Note: Both Macrine and I just discussed #10 the other day. We both agree we have no fear of death. How about You? Have you accepted item #10?

Today is Carenna's 16th Birthday

Carenna and Mom playing mahjong with me last Sunday ( Mother's Day)

I am really getting old in age if not in mind/spirit as Macrine and I celebrate our youngest grand daughter 16th birthday today. Carenna is the only daughter of our youngest daughter, Ditas. Macrine and I love her very much and indeed are very proud of her accomplishments so far. She is a singer and song writer and getting straight A's in her high school class. Again, Happy Birthday, Little Pangga!

For more details on her singing and song writing activities visit her Face Book page as follows:

https://www.facebook.com/CarennaKTmusic/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

A Simple Lunch for Our 62nd Wedding Anniversary

Today May 8, 2019 is our 62nd wedding anniversary. We celebrated it last Sunday, May 5 with a simple lunch with only 4 guests, Dennis and Karen Richardson( our neighbor) and Ian King ( my oldest grandson) and Sara Lynn ( his housemate and partner). I invited several relatives and friends for our lunch but the reason only 4 came was discussed in my previous posting a few days ago(The Days prior to our 62nd Wedding Anniversary-5-1-19).

The following photos showed our cake, the menu, Ian and Sara, Dennis and Karen with me and Macrine. David III was our photographer.

Our simple menu consists only of Pancit, Kare-kare, Honey-bake ham, puto, rice and menudo besides the cake.

We thank the Lord for all his blessings on this day of our 62nd wedding anniversary. Also, many thanks to all our friends and relatives of their greetings and messages( via FB) and telephone calls. We are indeed lucky to be alive on this day-another important event in our marriage. May God Bless us All!

Note: Today is also the birthday of our oldest daughter, Dinah. Happy Birthday, Dinah!!

Photo Tribute to Sister Guia Nieva Jambalos, r.c.

My sister-in-law Sister Guia Nieva Jambalos passed away on May 1, 2019. She had a Pharmacy degree from UST and was a Nun( Spiritual Director) for the Cenacle Sisters in the Philippines for more than 50 years. Her life is a perfect example of my favorite saying, You have only lived if you have touched the life of others.
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Based on the comments and condolences on her FaceBook page, Sister Guia has indeed touched numerous lives.

Macrine and Sister Guia(1939), Boac, Marinduque. Macrine my spouse for almost 62 years is two years older than Sister Guia.

Here are some tributes from her page book page: https://www.facebook.com/guia.jambalos.5

The following are a few photos from my album for remembrance: Rest in Peace, Sister Guia!

The Cenacle Visit, Warrenville, Illinois, 1962

Annual Family Vacation to the San Francisco Bay Area-2015

The Cenacle Fulton St, Chicago, Illinois, 1963

Sister Guia and her 4 Sisters- Macrine Katague, Fe Jambalos, Jean Maeda and Charro Levine-2017

Plantation Bay Vacation with Relatives-2018

Plantation Bay with Jean Maeda and Samantha Chalfin-2018


Here's some tribute from her Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/guia.jambalos.5

The Days Prior to Our 62nd Wedding Anniversary

Macrine enjoying a beautiful spring day in our patio-April 26, 2019

This coming May 8 ( a Wednesday-work day) will be exactly 62 years when Macrine and I got married in the Philippines. Two weeks ago, I had planned a get-together of relatives, friends and neighbors to join us in this memorable event in our life. Because May 8 is a work day, I asked our relatives and friends of two possible days that may be convenient for the majority. At first, I decided on May 12. With a few exceptions all of my future guests responded they will not be able to attend since it is Mother's Day. So I decided that May 5* ( Cinco de Mayo-big Mexican-American Festivities) is the day. As of this writing date, only ten are planning to attend.

The other day, I also received some bad news from the Philippines. Macrine's sister, Sister Guia( Cenacle) is seriously ill. Macrine's two other sisters here in the US are going home to the Philippines to be by her side on her last days of life.

I am a little bit disappointed that only half of my invited guests are coming. Macrine and I will celebrate our 62nd wedding anniversary with honey-baked ham, Pancit, Kare-kare and a few other Pinoy dishes. I have ordered the cake from our local French Pastry Shoppe. It is an orange-chiffon cake decorated with fresh fruits. The orange-chiffon cake was a significant item and was a catalyst in our May 8, 1957 marriage( sixty two years ago) as discussed in my autobiography (https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2013/05/today-is-our-56th-wedding-anniversary.html).

The following five photos: Our Wedding Day, 25th Wedding Anniversary, 50th Wedding Anniversary, 55th wedding anniversary and 60th wedding anniversary.

Wedding Day, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, May 8,1957

Silver Wedding Anniversary, Pinole, California,USA, May 8,1982

Golden Wedding Anniversary, Boac, Marinduque, May 8, 2007

Macrine and I, May 8, 2012.-Our 55th Wedding Anniversary-Fair Oaks, California

Our 60th Wedding Anniversary-May 8, 2017

*https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2013/05/cinco-de-mayo-celebration-and-sales.html