Hewlett High School Reunion

I have not written for a long time.  What has inspired me to get back into writing was going back to my Hewlett High School Reunion on December 13.  So many people at the reunion told me that they had been reading my blog and asked why I had stopped writing.  I had no idea. So in spite of there being a new format in WordPress, which I cannot yet figure out how to work with, I am going to take that inspiration and resume my reviews.  Thank you to all who let me know that you had been reading what I have written here and that it had touched you in some way.

The Hewlett High Reunion–which commemorated the Class of 1966 turning 60–was a wonderful event.  Due to the amazing leadership of Chick Bisberg, and his reunion committee (Larry, Ellen, Beth, Jeff and Alan), we all enjoyed a weekend in which (in Chick’s words):  “Old friends reconnected, new friendships were created, and some old wounds were healed.”  Thanks to Linda, Wendy and Bonnie for before and after parties.  I was struck by how much I liked everyone I spoke with, how glad I was to see people from all different parts of my growing up, and how much fun it was to be with people who had the same reference points (everyone I spoke with went to Walls Bakery and everyone loved the beach)  If you are thinking about going to a high school reunion, based on this one, I say go for it.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (DVD)

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, directed by Julian Schnabel, is based on the book of the same name written by Jean Dominque Bauby. “Jean Dom,” as he was known, was 43, the editor of Elle Magazine, a father of three, and a man who loved life and lived freely, when he had a massive stroke that left him completely paralyzed except for one eye.  He could see, hear, and understand everything, but he could only communicate by blinking his one eye.  The film brings you inside his experience at the same time it explores the relationships in his life, and how he touches the people who love him and the people who meet him after the stroke.  It explores what it means to be “locked in” and what it means to be human for Jean Dom and for others as well.  The film is unsentimental and at the same time deeply moving.  I highly recommend it. (in French with English subtitles)