Category Archives: Film History

Background on history of film

Don’t Be So Mean Grinch!

Posted by donnamarie on

“Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot,
But the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did not.
The Grinch hated Christmas — the whole Christmas season.
Oh, please don’t ask why, no one quite knows the reason.
It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.
But I think that the most likely reason of all
May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.”

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

One of my favorite Christmas joys is watching and sharing my favorite animated Christmas specials. This month will be dedicated to these wonderful specials and films.

 

Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss is one of the most significant authors in American literature. His classic book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has been a lifelong favorite. Known as a children’s author, Dr. Seuss’ cadence and rhyming style (anapestic tetrameter) is both renown and his signature. I believe his gift lies in his ability to convey his philosophy of life in a playful, endearing way. Most of us grew up reading Dr. Seuss and escaping into the wonderful worlds he shared. His other bestselling books bring back precious memories: Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, and Horton Hears a Who!


How the Grinch Dr. Seuss

 

On December 18, 1966 “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” premiered as a television special and has continued to entertain and touch my life and the lives of countless children both young and old. It relates the tale of the Christmas plot of the mean ole Mr. Grinch to steal the joy of celebration from the residents of Whoville; it’s Seuss’ spiritual lesson for the true meaning of Christmas.

 

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Print ad of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 1966

Narrated by the legendary Boris Karloff – also the voice of The Grinch – we are introduced to the world of Whoville and that nasty wasty Grinch.

 

How the Grinch Boris

Boris Karloff and The Grinch

You’re a foul one, Mr. Grinch.
You’re a nasty, wasty skunk.
Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk.
Mr. Grinch!
[spoken] The three words that best describe you are as follows and I quote:
[sung] “Stink! Stank! Stunk!”

 

In this version of the story, we don’t really know why The Grinch hates Christmas and the residents of Whoville. Just that his heart is 2 sizes too small. However in the Jim Carrey movie version of Dr. Seuss “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,”we see the flashback of The Grinch as a child and how because he looks different: green and hairy as an eight-year-old he is taunted and teased by his classmates.

“Little Grinch” makes a Christmas present for his crush and tries to shave his face for the presentation but ends up with toilet paper stuck all over. Everyone laughs at him, so he storms out the room climbing up to his mountain exile. Not seen for years, he becomes an urban legend. Flashing forward to The Grinch and his now adult classmates, it isn’t hard to understand why Whoville isn’t his favorite town and additionally, the Whos love of Christmas has become a major thorn in his side.

 

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So, The Grinch gets this inspired idea after seeing his dog Max get snow on his face that sort of looks like a beard. The plan becomes to dress up as Santa, sneak into Whoville and rip off all the houses of presents, toys and even a piece of cheese from a mouse. So low down. Hence “stink, stank, stunk!”

 

How the Grinch Santa outfit

Poor Max wasn’t really down with the plan but was forced to play his part as a reindeer.

 

Enter my favorite resident of Whoville, Cindy Lou Who. I’ve loved her all my life. Her innocence and open heart are a testament to – as John Lennon once wrote: “All you need is love.”

 

“Santy Claus”
“Why?”

Ah, but not even the innocence of Cindy Lou could discourage The Grinch from following thru with his wicked plan.

 

How the Grinch stealing presents

However, The Grinch would come to realize that Whoville is no ordinary town. Even without presents, toys or roast beast, Christmas would still come.

 

How the Grinch Who singing

 

 

 

Joyful Grinch

 

This timeless message of appreciating what you have in friends and family is a gift often lost in this world of envy and greed. Matthew 16:26 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas not only during the holidays but every day of the year.

 

Merry Christmas!

A Charlie Brown Christmas ⛄🎁🎄

Posted by donnamarie on

charlie brown christmas

Premiered December 9, 1965

One of my favorite Christmas joys is watching and sharing my favorite animated Christmas specials. This month will be dedicated to these wonderful specials and films.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is celebrating its’ 50th Anniversary this month and will always have a special place in my heart for its honesty, faith, humor and appreciation of a child’s intelligence. I’ve watched every year since its premier in 1965. I fell in love with Charlie and the Peanuts gang, relating to the familiar relationships we all had as children.

 

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Charlie’s sad little Christmas Tree

Charlie Brown is the quintessential “nice guy.” Sweet, awkward and sincere. All the traits that guarantee a life of hell for an 8-year-old boy on the playground. In this musical special, Charlie is depressed about the commercialism of Christmas and seeks ways to enjoy the true meaning of the season; the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Charlie confides his feelings to his best friend Linus who’s also sweet, but also philosophical.

 

 

After Linus tells him to stop being so ” Charlie Brownie,” Chuck seeks the advice of his nemesis Lucy (aka Dr. Lucy). We’ve all had a Lucy in our lives. The kid who takes tremendous pleasure in the humiliation and torture of the sweet, awkward and sincere kid on the block. You know – Charlie Brown.

 

 

Charlie takes Lucy’s advice to become involved in a Christmas project and becomes the play’s director. However, his vision is the complete opposite of Lucy’s vision of becoming the Christmas Queen. (hey, don’t judge; what’s your fantasy?)  Result, my favorite scene:

 

 

OMG!! The dance scene is hilarious. Everybody who’s ever seen this has their favorite dancer. I see myself as one of the twin girls with their head and individual hair strands swinging side to side. They look so happy and diggin’ the groove. I love it! My other fave is the little boy doing what I call the Frankenstein. His arms are out in front of him and he’s doing some sort of “running man” dance move. Go ahead baby, get your dance on!

charlie brown christmas dance

For Charlie, the play’s a disaster. His decision for a Christmas tree being even worse; failing to bring any of the holiday spirit to Charlie Brown.

What a great tree!
I’ve killed it!

But ever faithful, his best friend Linus tells him what Christmas is all about and gives the most memorable soliloquy of my young life. (the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 8 through 14 from the Authorized King James Version)

I was raised in the church and heard this passage before but never in the context of a cartoon or animation. Quoting the bible in this realm was a bold move but is one of the reasons why I have such respect for the creator, Charles Schultz, and this project.

It reminds me, to this day, don’t forget the reason we celebrate Christmas; it’s the birth of Christ.

 

 

Even though Charlie’s day started with doom, gloom, and humiliation (including his dog Snoopy laughing in his face); in the end he finds joy and empathy from his friends.

Let the choir sing:

“Hark the Heralded Angels Sing”

 

 

I raised my children on this timeless classic and they continue the tradition. A Charlie Brown Christmas touches my heart in so many ways. The innocence of childhood, the unbridled excess of commercialism on what is a holy holiday. But also the friendships, experiences, and faith that shapes our lives forever.

 

A Christmas Miracle – The Making of a Charlie Brown Christmas.

Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown!

It’s a Wonderful Life!

Posted by donnamarie on

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“It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946)

iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is the ultimate gratitude film. George Bailey (James Stewart) facing jail and the demise of his beloved father’s savings and loan business, decides that his family would be better off without him so decides to take his life.

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George Bailey (James Stewart)

Thank goodness for the rookie guardian angel, Clarence ((Henry Travers) Love him! “Everytime a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” Clarence grants George’s wish to have never been born and shows him exactly how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be had he never been born. In doing so, he teaches George a tremendous lesson on gratitude and helps him realize it is and he has a wonderful life.

Clarence (Henry Travers)

I bet we’ve all had that moment when we go, this is just too hard and messed up. Some come to the conclusion that life just isn’t worth living, and nobody would miss me anyway so what difference does it make.

wonderfullessons

Not everyone has a support person to hold them and say – it’s going to be alright – we can get through this together. I wrote a post about Robin Williams after he took his life because of how he touched me with his incredible talent. I cried not only for his family but for the countless others who’ve lost loved ones to the pain that is suicide.

wonderfulnotperfect

George Bailey’s pain was real. James Stewart’s portrayal felt real and no matter how many times I watch Frank Capra’s enduring classic, I ball at all the same scenes. The love and compassion of George’s wife Mary, (Donna Reed) family and friends lift us all to a level of gratitude that just can’t be contained.

Wow! Even just writing and remembering that final scene brings tears to my eyes. Sixty-nine years later this movie still tugs at the heart strings.

What a blessing!  What a Gift!  What a Wonderful Life!

Liebster Award Nomination!

Posted by donnamarie on

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I am so honored that Affyyia – siuquxemovies.wordpress.com – thought enough of my blog to nominate me for this award. I enjoy and go back to read her posts often because of her passion for films and books. Make sure to check out her awesome blog!

The Rules: 

  1. Acknowledge the blog that nominated you and display the award.

  2. Answer 11 questions that the blogger gives you.

  3. Give 11 random facts about yourself.

  4. Nominate 5-11 blogs you think are deserving of the award that have less than 200 followers.

  5. Let the blogs know you have nominated them.

  6. Give them 11 questions to answer.

RULE 2: My 11 questions and answers are:

  1.  Who is your favorite actor or actress and why? Bette Davis because she was a ground breaker. Many actresses feared playing unsympathetic characters, but Bette viewed it as an opportunity to show the range of her acting skills. In “Of Human Bondage” (1934) she made herself look horrid because that’s what the role required. Other actresses didn’t want to do that kind of portrayal.

  2. Name two books you have read this year?  The Four Agreements and the Bible.

  3. What is the name of your best friend?  Carmen

  4. Mention about six blogs you visit often: 

    1. mixedgirlvibe.com

    2. Harsh Reality – aopinionatedman.com

    3, assholeswatchingmovies.com

    4. Live to Write – Write to Live – nhwn.wordpress.com

    5. fromthestickstothebricksandbackagain.wordpress.com

    6. empress2inspire.wordpress.com

  5. List four languages you wish to learn:  Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese

  6. Movies and picnic, which one would you prefer?   Picnic

  7. Is this your first time of getting nominated for Liebster Award?   No

  8. Mention any African country you have visited before or wish to visit and why:  I’d like to visit Seychelles because of its’ luxurious beaches.

  9. What is your own personal definition of wealth?  The love of family and friends.

  10. Share with me any incident that happened in your high school days that you might never forget?  When my counselor told me I was accepted at The University of Michigan.

  11. Five things that inspired you to start  your own blog?  My passion for writing, the opportunity to share my love of film, designing a website,  sharing the history of film, feedback from the blogging community.

RULE 3: 11 Random Facts About Myself

  1. I love Minions

  2. I hate spiders

  3. I have to watch “Miracle on 34th Street” before any Christmas festivities can begin.

  4. I’m a clothes horse.

  5. I’m a stage actress.

  6. I’m a vocalist.

  7. I love film trivia.

  8. My car was struck by lightning.

  9. I’ve watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” every year since it premiered.

  10. I’m known as the “human jukebox” because of my vast knowledge of music lyrics.

  11. I’m a Christmas Tree decorating master.😄

RULE 4: My nominees are:

RULE 5:  My 11 questions are: 

  1. What’s your favorite film and why?

  2. Tropical or Ski vacation?

  3. What inspired you to start your blog?

  4. What’s your favorite post?

  5. Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie?

  6. Favorite animated film.

  7. Where have you always wanted to visit but haven’t?

  8. Your best day?

  9. Dog or Cat?

  10. Five blogs you follow?

  11. Favorite cartoon?

Gratitude and Miracles 💛

Posted by donnamarie on

 

thanksgiving2012

 

iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.

This is a re-post from last year. It so fits the theme of gratitude and is my official movie to kick-off the holiday season. We lost Maureen O’Hara (Doris) last month (more on the late actress here) so this is also a tribute to her career and role in this holiday classic. Enjoy!

Today marks the start of the holiday season, but it doesn’t officially kick off for me until I’ve watched the Thanksgiving Day Parade and one of my favorite holiday films, Miracle on 34th Street (1947).

 

 

Until I see Santa arrive at the end of the parade there can be no Christmas Tree, tinsel, ornaments or stockings. This has been a tradition of mine since I was a kid. Without a doubt, Edmund Gwenn is Santa Claus. No matter what other films he’s made, each character turns into Kris Kringle. (he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor) Gwenn played a cockney assassin in Hitchcock’s Foreign Correspondent in 1940, but all I could scream was “Santa, don’t throw that man off the ledge!”

 

Edmund Gwenn

Miracle Kris

(September 26, 1877 – September 6, 1959)

Natalie Wood was precious as Susan, the precocious daughter of Maureen O’Hara (Doris) who doesn’t believe in fairy tales and attends a “progressive” school. Natalie Wood had an illustrious career until her death in 1981. She was able to make the transition from child star to ingenue starring opposite James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Warren Beatty in Splendor in the Grass (1961). Known as a loving, giving person, as well as a star, she’s always had a special place in my heart.

Natalie Wood

Miracle on i believe

(July 20, 1938 – November 29, 1981)

miracle DorisDoris is cynical as a result of a bitter divorce so she’s raising her daughter to be practical and sensible. None of this believing in fairy tales and Santa crap. All was going well until Doris – the Macy’s parade coordinator – asks Kris to replace the drunken Santa originally set for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Kris is a big hit and becomes Macy’s official Santa resulting in a personal relationship with Doris and Susan.

Maureen O’Hara (August 17, 1920 – October 24, 2015)

 

Kris is an immediate influence teaching Susan it’s okay to pretend after she tells him the other kids don’t play with her because she won’t join in their game and act like a zoo animal.

The production took flack from the Catholic League of Decency because how dare you depict a divorced woman with a successful career and a young child as a “normal family.” Yep, 1940’s mentality and morality were hard at work.

miracle susan at play

Susan learning to act like a monkey!

Just as Doris is learning to have more faith in life and Susan is embracing imagination, Kris’s sanity is questioned and a legal battle ensues to prove that not only is he sane but the one and only Santa Claus. Fred (John Payne) who is Kris’s lawyer and Doris’s boyfriend, understands the importance of the spirit of Santa especially in the lives of Susan and Doris.

John Payne (on left)

(May 23, 1912 – December 6, 1989)

miracle john

Kris is exonerated and Christmas day has arrived. Susan has asked for a very special present and is disappointed at the Christmas party to see it isn’t under the tree. Doris, in a refreshing change of heart, tells Susan she must have faith.

But, Santa Claus moves in mysterious ways and in the end teaches them both the true value of faith and miracles.

 

 

 miracle end

Cheers to Faith and Miracles!

Trading Places in Gratitude 😎

Posted by donnamarie on

tradingplacesposter

“Trading Places” (1983)

 

iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.

“Trading Places” (1983) is a tour de force example of Gratitude meets “walk a mile in my shoes!” Dan Aykroyd is (Louis Winthorpe III) the typical “privileged” ivy leaguer with a twist. He’s not as “top drawer” as he thinks and his life is truly in the hands of the callous Duke brothers – Mortimer ((Don Ameche) and Randolph (Ralph Bellamy).

His perfect world is turned upside down by the $1 bet by the brothers to settle the debate of nature vs nurture. Because we’ve got nothing better to do, let’s strip Louis of everything he knows and see if he’ll sink or float.

 

Trading-Placesbrothers

Randolph and Mortimer Duke

 

What better “brother” switch than with (Billy Ray Valentine) Eddie Murphy, the wily con man who sees the brothers straight up for what they are – numbers runners.

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“Billy Ray”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The parable wouldn’t be complete without the lovely damsel in distress (but in this case with a plan for her own escape). One of my favorite actresses, Jamie Lee Curtis plays “Ophelia”, the classy hooker with a heart of gold.

 

Jamie Lee Curtis - Ophelia

Jamie Lee Curtis – “Ophelia”

 

 

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Denholm Elliott – “Coleman”

 

Louis’s butler/valet, “Coleman” (Denholm Elliott) is hilarious trying to juggle the Duke brothers’ sick plan.

 

louisjail

Louis’s abrupt experiment in poverty forces him to get his nose out of the air and think twice about judging people based solely on their socio/economic situation.

tradingplacesanta

 

 

After a stint in jail, being reduced to stuffing a whole salmon into his Santa suit (don’t ask, you have to see) and attempting to take his own life, he realizes how shallow his life has been. By coming together with Billy Ray, Coleman and Ophelia he finds out it’s friends and the love of a good woman that really counts.

An incredibly important life and Gratitude lesson!

tradingplacesgratitude

However, if you can get rich with your friends and give payback to those who’ve done you wrong (Dukes) go for it! 😎

 

“Looking good Billy Ray!”

 

 

Buddy Love’s Gratitude

Posted by donnamarie on

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“The Nutty Professor” (1963)

iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.

“The Nutty Professor” (1963) (loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”) is a classic tale of insecurity, social ineptitude and wanting to be somebody, anybody else. Professor Julius Kelp (Jerry Lewis) is a sweet but awkward, book type that is constantly blowing up his lab (and students) to the frustration of Professor Warfield (Kelp’s boss). Fed up with his lot in life, Kelp decides to take matters into his own hands. He has to learn the lesson of Gratitude the hard way.

kelppotion

Professor Kelp

Professor Kelp goes to extremes to become the “big man” someone no one would dare bully because he’s the typical “90-pound weakling” getting sand kicked in his face at the beach.

Being a Science Professor, he comes up with the ingenious idea to concoct a potion which will turn him into the suave, ladies man that commands a room. Enter alter ego, Buddy Love. Buddy is the complete opposite of Professor Kelp. He’s a rude, ego maniac who thrills the kids at their hangout the “Purple Pit” with his musical prowess singing and playing “That Old Black Magic” on the piano. There, as Buddy Love he can hook up with one of his students, Stella Purdy, (Stella Stevens) who he’s secretly had a thing for.

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Buddy Love

“The Purple Pit”

However, Kelp collides with his alter ego when his formula wears off while parked with Stella after they leave the “Purple Pit”. The next morning he’s left with the most horrific hangover in the annals of hangovers.

kelphangover

Kelp’s Hangover

 

Professor Kelp’s whole world comes crashing down when he’s told he must be a chaperone at the graduation dance while he’s also supposed to perform as Buddy Love.

Graduation Fun
Graduation Dance

This is when he publicly learns the lesson of Gratitude. His Buddy Love formula wears off at the beginning of his graduation performance and he’s forced to confess his deceit and mistake of trying to be someone else. He’s learned to be thankful and appreciative for his true self.

Moral of the story, love yourself. If you don’t, how can you expect anyone else to.

image

 

 

 

Scrooged and Grateful 😇

Posted by donnamarie on

“Scrooged” (1988)

iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.

The Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol” is brilliantly updated in this 1988 adaptation – “Scrooged.” The hilarious Bill Murray stars as the infamous”Scrooge” aka Frank Cross. “Scrooge” has messed over everyone in his life, his employees (Bobcat Goldthwait) (Alfre Woodard), his brother (John Murray – Bill’s real-life brother) and especially his one true love, Claire (Karen Allen).

Claire

Frank Cross (“Scrooge”) represents everything that’s wrong with thoughtless people. He’s an angry, bitter, selfish a-hole. By grace, he’s given the opportunity for a second chance at life with the help of ghosts from “Christmas Past” (David Johansen), “Present” and “Future”, re-visiting the good, the bad and the ugly of his life. A hardcore lesson in Gratitude!

My favorite ghost has got to be (Carol Kane) as the “Ghost of Christmas Present,” When she knocks Bill Murray upside the head with that toaster, I’m cracking up right now just thinking about it!

The ghosts do a phenomenal job because ultimately Murray gives his testimony and not only feels Gratitude but tells people if you want to understand what being thankful is all about, give back, “make your miracle happen.” It’s an incredibly moving moment.

“God Bless Us Everyone” – Tiny Tim

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“Think of your fellow man, put a little love in your heart.”

“Tiny Tim”, Frank and Crew
“Tiny Tim”
“Christmas Present”
“Christmas Past”
“Christmas Future”
Claire and Frank (Scrooge)

 

 

 

 

Forrest Gump Gratitude 🏃

Posted by donnamarie on

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“Forrest Gump” (1994)

 

iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.

“Run Forrest, Run!”

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Every time I think of the movie “Forrest Gump”, that’s the first quote I hear. Then, “Life’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

 

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Quotes galore plus Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise) and Bubba (Mykelti Williamson). Love this movie!

Forrest Gump’s (Tom Hanks) life is a testimony to gratitude. He understands his challenges but is not hesitant to live his life to the fullest, including telling his childhood love, Jenny (Robin Wright) how he feels about her.

He gets it. Life gives you what you get, so don’t whine, go for it and make the most of your journey. Thank God for his mother, (Sally Field), she didn’t listen to what the”experts” had to say. She did whatever she had to do to provide Forrest with the foundation that he could do anything. With his braces, he had “magic” legs. Turn every so-called obstacle into an advantage. Once again, attitude is everything!

 

Forrest is a true inspiration and proof that with support and love we can overcome adversity. Love and compassion make the difference.

Forrest and Bubba
Forrest – Lieutenant Dan
Lieutenant Dan, Bubba, Forrest
Jenny
Little Jenny
Forrest Life Quote
“Run Forrest, Run!”
Little Forrest/Little Jenny

Mama, Jenny, Bubba, and Lieutenant Dan. Forrest loved and was deeply loved by those whose lives he touched.

forrestgumpallihavetosay

“Despicable” Gru – Gratitude

Posted by donnamarie on

“Despicable Me” (2010)

 

iheartfilm is dedicating the month of November to the lesson of Gratitude in films; the quality of being thankful.

Every viewing of “Despicable Me” rekindles my child’s heart. Those of you who’ve read my “About” page know that I love Agnes and her tenacious spirit. She’s total love incarnate, wearing her gratitude on her sleeve. Despite the challenges of Agnes’ life at Miss Hattie’s Orphanage, she is thankful and hopeful every day. Plus, she loves unicorns. 😄  

 

 

Meet Felonius Gru, who thinks he’s a hardcore “Supervillain” but is blissfully unaware of how his life will be changed forever with the fateful meeting of sisters, Margo, Edith, and Agnes.

Gru and Agnes’ first meeting

 

Gru’s convinced that by using the sisters (selling of cookies for mean Miss Hattie’s Orphanage) as a decoy, he’s come up with the masterplan for his evil plot to foil his nemesis, Vector.

 

 

 

 

Margo, Edith, Agnes
Vector!
Gru and Dr. Nefario
Gru and the Moon
Miss Hattie’s Orphanage

After adopting the sisters – part of his master plan – Gru begins his awakening to the lesson of gratitude while dealing with the day to day activities of parenting like dance lessons, girl scout type cookie deliveries, and an unfortunate Unicorn melting accident – Edith!  Even though Gru’s evil partner, Dr. Nefarious tries to interfere, Gru’s heart begins to melt with each parenting challenge culminating in his masterpiece, “One Big Unicorn”, the sweetest children’s book ever for the girls; turning Gru and the book into the sisters’ beloved and treasured bedtime ritual.

Agnes’ unconditional love also forces Gru to realize that all he’s ever wanted is his mother’s love and approval and the heartbreaking thought of losing Agnes and her sisters trumps the ultimate supervillain prize of capturing and shrinking the moon.

Little Gru and Momma

Even the skeptical Margo and Edith come to be thankful for the love and somewhat different lifestyle of Gru. “You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees is the perfect ending to the perfect union of love and supervillain dom.

Here’s what I’m grateful for – Minions! They bring me joy, happiness and fill my heart. 😘