off to the movies

I've blogged a bit about the whole Twilight book phenomena and how when I was working at the library (and getting paid to do so) I ordered the book and read it before I was even allowed to put it out on the floor. When the system works right, the library would receive books before they were actually allowed to be sold or circulated.

I'm a sucker for vampire novels...pun totally intended. I read Anne Rice when I was in high school and moved on to read any fang driven story I could find. I read Twilight and enjoyed the teen angst in the novel. Was it the best vampire story I'd ever read? No. Was it the worst? No. Was it the best written book I'd ever read? No. Did I think the YA girls would love it. YES! It was Romeo and Juliet with a paranormal twist. Forbidden love is one of those universal Joseph Campbell-esque themes.

As I continued to read subsequent Meyer offerings about Edward and Bella, I slowly became disenchanted with her characterizations. I borrowed the last book from a friend and was glad I did. Because it wasn't mine, I didn't pitch it across the room and damage the wall or the book. Some of the themes in the books are disconcerting. Teen marriage and pregnancy should not be glamorized. The age gap and the control issues surrounding the protagonists should give a mature adult pause.

My oldest daughter and I have enjoyed lengthy discussions about the characters in these novels, how they act and react, their emotions and their thoughts. She succinctly stated at one point that Bella needed a spine; she was a total drama-mama.

So, why then would we fork out the $20 to see the movie. Well, she decided she wanted to see it and I decided I would go with her to see it. The opportunity to talk with her about relationships, feelings, emotions, boys etc. is important. More important than my attitude towards the themes in the story's arc. I have no doubt that the books and the movie will be cafeteria fodder for weeks to come. She will want to join in this conversation and needs to be able to speak in an informed fashion about both book and movie.

With that in mind, we are off to see the 6:40 show with two other moms and their daughters.

something fun

My oldest jumped on the bed last night after she got cleaned up from keeper practice and started to tell me about a couple of her friends. I guess they both think that I am the coolest mom and they just can't talk to their moms like she talks to me.

Now, I guess that means that she is relaying some of the conversations we've had. Or it means that in talking about her home life, these girls have an impression of our relationship.

I've never thought of myself as a cool mom or that my daughter's friends would think that. I don't dress cool...I'm pretty well stuck in the cable sweater and penny loafer mode. I don't have any uber cool hobbies, beyond reading which is of course the coolest.

I do like to watch some of the same shows as she does. What is not to love about the guilty pleasure that is Gossip Girl?

Maybe it all comes down to communication. My daughter and I talk...a lot. Nothing is forbidden. I ask and she spills. She asks and I offer my ideas or opinions. Not that the level of communication hasn't evolved, because it has. There are times, I'm sure, when she thinks I am the most uncool mom on the planet.

But, for her to tell me that revealed a pride she has in me, which is something fun for today.