BOYHOOD

Tonight I watched Richard Linklater's new film "Boyhood." Quite simply, it was one of the best movies I have ever seen.

The film was shot over 12 years and involved a small corp of the same actors. The fact that they all returned for several days of filming on an annual basis is quite remarkable. Because of this, the film feels all the more real as we see each actor/character age in real time.

The focus of the film is on Mason, Jr (MJ) played by Ellar Coltrane. MJ is only six years old when the films begins, but he turns eighteen when the movie concludes. Through the course of the film, we see his family's ups and downs and how his experiences shape him into the young man whom he becomes.

His parents' choices, which are often poor, play a major role in his development, and one comes to appreciate how we are truly the sum of our experiences and the circumstances in which we have been placed. At its core, "Boyhood" is really about resilience and finding one's way in a life that is filled with obstacles and in which time moves so fast.

As I watched the film, I reminisced about my own childhood and the transition from child to adolescent to adult. I thought about how ill-equipped I was at so many times in my life and how that was probably quite age-appropriate.  I also thought about how my childhood has influenced my worldview and way of being in nearly every respect. This is no surprise, but "Boyhood" made me realize just how impressionable we all are.

The film also made me think about my own children and their childhoods. Primarily, I thought of Nicholas. This is not only because he is a boy like MJ but because he is older than Cate. Indeed, Nicholas just turned nine, which means he is halfway through his own childhood.

Think about that for a second. Nicholas has already lived one-half of the time he will be in this house with us. That blows me away.

When Nicholas and Cate are gone, I will miss them more than I can possibly imagine, even after seeing this film. I want to cherish and take advantage of every second I have with him and Cate.  Eighteen years is simply not long enough. Have I mentioned that Portland has some wonderful colleges?

Moreover, the movie made me think of how to parent. The lesson is not to behave as though a camera is in the room filming your interaction with your kids. Rather, the lesson is to behave as though you were your own child. How would you want to be treated? What kind of example would you want your kids to see? Easier said than done, but I will do better.

There are moments in life that make one take stock. Moments or events that shed a light where only darkness or ignorance once existed. For me, "Boyhood" made me appreciate how beautiful, fleeting, and remarkable childhood can be. For that important reminder, I thank Mr. Linklater and these wonderful actors. Go experience "Boyhood" for yourself! You will not regret it.

SUMMER BREAK

I went on summer vacation last week. This may not seem like news. However, I have spent the past three summers writing grants that prevented me from going on vacation. Since, my lab is in a good funding position currently, I decided to take a break this summer and forgo writing any grant applications.

In the past few years, Kathleen and the kids have traveled to Minnesota to visit her family in the summer. Oftentimes, they rent a house on lake up North, and the kids rave about how much fun it is. This summer was my first trip to the lake with them and Kathleen's family.

The rental house was modest but very comfortable and spacious. Importantly, the backyard led directly to the lake with a dock. This made water activities - swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing quite easy. 

The kids spent a good deal of time on the lake with their cousins while I spent quite a bit of time just relaxing. I read two books, took many photos, and stared at the lake and my little people frolicking in it quite a bit.

More than once, I marveled at how relaxed I felt and how at ease I felt to be away. Sure, I still checked email and surfed the web on our spotty cellular and wireless connections. However, I also felt detached from work and attached to life and my family more than anytime in recent memory. Importantly, each day was simple and filled with communal meals, exercise, trips to town. There was no rushing about, no multi-tasking, no pressure.

For a few moments, I thought about what my life might be like in a small town like Nisswa, MN. I realized that there would be stresses or disconcerting aspects of living there, but I was also struck by how much simpler life would be. 

I am not ready to jump ship or leave the city, but this trip helped me to appreciate the value of focusing more on living life rather than simply jumping from one crisis to the next. 

Here's to summer vacation and recharging one's battery! I cannot wait for the next break, wherever that might be!