It seems fitting that I opened a box last night to find one of my favourite films of all time. Fitting because we’re now counting down to Halloween and this film has just a bit of old school fright tucked into its perfect package of mirth and mayhem.
And I’m talking really old school.
I’ve been a fan of the big band era for a long time. I discovered these fabulous tunes when I stumbled upon my stepfather’s record collection. I spent countless hours of my youth listening to Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. But one artist stood out for me, likely because he embodied much more than music. He was an entertainer. A smart, funny and charismatic bandleader. His name was Kay Kyser, The Ol’ Professor of Swing.
Cynthia Kinnunen passes her passion for Anne down to her kids
Of the books of my youth, many of which have been or will be shared with my kids, there is one that stands out in all its fiery red perfectness. In the last few years, I’ve been able to indulge again, along with my daughter, in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.
For some reason, it feels like such a perfect summertime book. One that I devoured again and again each year. One that was even more meaningful because it was based in Canada. I always have those visions in my head—brought to life in perfect detail in the Canadian television mini-series all those years ago—of rich landscapes, red sandy beaches and quaint village houses. I adored Anne and Diana’s “bosom” friendship. And Gilbert, oh Gilbert, how I cheered him on every step of the way and felt so frustrated Anne was ignoring him. The Anne books were such an escape for my tween mind. Read more...
Cynthia Kinnunen thinks autographs make concerts all the better
The beauty of outdoor summer concerts reminds me how much we adore live music. I usually lose myself in the shows, embracing the moment and savouring the magic (a.k.a. a lot of booty shaking and shameless singing). I’m not usually caught up in how to get backstage or stand in a massive line-up to meet someone (unless, of course, it’s Neil Finn) but I’m there for the heart-pounding, soul-filling experience.
I do, however, have a few signed photos from childhood, which means my parents took the time to actually introduce me to an artist and get an autograph. I look at the photos now and think it was pretty cool that I had the chance to meet them face-to-face.
You might laugh or cry, but is there anything REALLY better than Cats?
As someone who prides herself on not just following trends for the sake of popularity but rather appreciating quality content (whatever that might be), it’s sometimes awkward when something that might seem exactly the opposite of that finds its way into the ‘I Like’ folder in my brain. Or even possibly the ‘I Love’ folder.
And when I say that it’s exactly the opposite, what I really mean is that those who consider themselves cultured or knowledgeable or maybe even mainstream, would possibly consider some of my ‘I Loves’ to be rather, well, questionable.
Case in point: Pee Wee Herman. I love Pee Wee. My kids love Pee Wee. Only a small population (with a great sense of humour) get Pee Wee. Go here for more on that. Read more...
Hit the road with Cynthia Kinnunen‘s tips for artistic travel
Now that summer is finally here (or is it?), we are embarking on more outdoor adventures. And as we find ourselves on those adventures, there’s a good chance we’ll make a few new discoveries. Art discoveries, that is.
Particularly when travelling around with kids, there’s a whole lot of fun that can be had looking out for art. You know, sculptures, outdoor installations, even funky houses can be taken notice of and appreciated, generating some interesting discussions.
As a kid that road-tripped a lot without the distractions of modern technologies (we had invisible ink quiz books, find the alphabet on license plates, sing along with classic rock on any radio station that might come in…), there were countless opportunities to search for weird and fantastic things to point out and discuss.
Cynthia Kinnunenblogs about sharing stuff from your childhood with your kids
Normally, seeing things on your plate wobbling to and fro doesn’t send your pulse racing, unless it’s in fear of having to consume said wobbly food product. However, there’s one jiggly food-type thing that I used to adore as a child and my kids now go crazy for: put on your best Bill Cosby voice and give a hollah for JELL-O!
Now I know some parents give this the finger wag because, well, it’s made of nothing except food colouring and jiggly gelatin (and maybe a few other things but I’m not checking the ingredient list!). Really though, there’s something that’s just too much fun about a wiggly bowl of the colourful stuff when you’re a kid. My favourite colour/flavour is green/lime, by the way. Read more...
Cynthia Kinnunenblogs about sharing stuff from your childhood with your kids
We were all snuggled up in front of the TV last Sunday morning for an hour and what should come on but The Littlest Hobo. Without cable, this and Coronation Street is about as edgy as Sunday morning television gets around our place.
But the kids were enchanted by this wandering dog that would latch on to people for a time and well, save their lives multiple times during the half hour. In this episode, a family was taking off on a six-month sailing adventure and had to leave their old dog behind. Hobo, of course, was watching and then stowed away (knowing they needed a dog on board for numerous rescues). He ended up saving the day after a wild, shipwrecked adventure and the kids couldn’t stop talking about him for the rest of the day. Read more...
Cynthia Kinnunen blogs about sharing stuff from your childhood with your kids
He’s not Darth Vader, but he did oversee the recent construction of the Death Star. That’s my hubby I’m talking about. Actually, he prefers to go by Obi Wan, but that’s a story for another time.
Last weekend, on our way back from a few days up north, we stopped at my in-laws’ place and somehow, during our short visit, some of my husband’s old toys were unearthed in the basement. During those discoveries, the kids often pose questions like what the heck is that, Dad? or is that all it does? or my personal favourite, meh.
I am officially old now that my response to those comments is “Oh, you kids don’t have any idea how cool this stuff is! Back when I was a kid…” {ahem} Read more...
Cynthia Kinnunen blogs about sharing stuff from your childhood with your kids
Although we were never able to venture too far from home (no trips abroad), some of my fondest memories growing up were travel-related. You know, good old road trips and whatnot.
I grew up in a northern Ontario town that was only a short hop over to the US border. We would spend many of our travel dollars (plug your ears, Canadians) in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. There were plenty of adventures, from throwing up on rides at Valleyfair amusement park near Minneapolis, to the wild (and might I say, slightly strange) world of Wisconsin Dells to all manner of museums and live shows. From the schmaltzy to the cultural, we didn’t shy away from any opportunity for fun.
Cynthia Kinnunen blogs about sharing stuff from your childhood with your kids
I know, I know, you’re trying to forget the holidays now that the “real world” catches back up with us and things like work and school and whatnot kick us in the January pants.
But indulge me just a moment, thinking back a little bit to the last few weeks. I didn’t get the chance to really reflect on some of the more poignant moments of the holidays, like traditions. You know, the serving of a particular food or the unpacking and placing of a special item on display. Often what can make the holidays feel comforting are these moments of familiarity.
Cynthia Kinnunen blogs about sharing stuff from your childhood with your kids
With the holiday season closing in quickly, it’s time for the annual digging out of our favourite holiday music (Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Sufjan Stevens…) and movies (White Christmas, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation… ). There are also the usual suspects from television of yesteryear, like A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Grinch.
But a series of shows that the holiday season is simply not the same without includes those classic Rankin-Bass gems: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Little Drummer Boy and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. I remember each December frantically scouring the TV Guide to track down the days and times when they would air. There were no DVDs or PVRs or even VHS tapes back then. You wanted to watch a show, you had to find out when it was on and make yourself available.Read more...
Cynthia Kinnunen blogs about sharing stuff from your childhood with your kids
Family is pretty important to us. Even though most of our extended family is far away, we make extra efforts to keep in touch. This is particularly important when it comes to grandparents.
Grandparents (and great-grandparents and beyond) are the “old school” messengers of familial goodness. For us, it’s not just the wisdom and perspective they can share, it’s the stories and the connections to a disappearing past. Heck, it’s the cool and wonderful quirks we discover in those stories, too. Our grandparents were hilarious and silly and creative and fascinating! Who knew?
As a kid, I loved spending time with my grandparents. Like, really loved it. I was fortunate to have them around and that they, too, enjoyed having me around. Looking back, I have a strange mix of things that stand out in my memories of them. Read more...
