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SSD Pop-Up Blog Post #2 - Higher Ground (Major Spoiler Alert)

2/21/2017

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Sometimes, we find higher ground when we can't get any lower, and there's nowhere to look but up to find what really matters.  But -- if we're lucky -- we can find it by watching how others find it, when they're at their lowest.  We can watch, learn and be inspired. 

​"Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Higher Ground" focused on the latter.  The Postables make it their mission to find out if a bar owner nick-named Hattie survived Hurricane Katrina, so they can deliver a love letter to her from a blues singer and  handyman named Gabe.  In the letter from 2005, the man, who was devastated by losing his family in a previous tragedy, reveals how meeting Hattie changed his life. 

​The fact that Gabe sings every Sunday morning (for 12 years), at the highest point in Denver, hoping that Hattie will find him, once she receives his letter, is a stunning visualization of the character's faith.  It demonstrates the power of faith, hope and love wrapped up in blues music.  And he does it while wearing a fedora. Seriously.  What could be better than that?

​And when Norman sees how Gabe continues singing -- and hoping -- even after he tells Gabe that Hattie is missing and presumed dead, Norman is inspired to take a leap of faith that will change his life.  The moment when he shares this with Oliver is a powerful one.  He realizes that both he and Oliver have an opportunity that Gabe is unlikely to get.

​While Norman is inspired by the higher ground that Gabe has found, Oliver and Shane are inspired to have a milestone of their own, because of the low point they reached during "Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Lost Without You."  So, everything comes together nicely...almost. 

​When I watched it, I didn't really think about how everything came together so well.  I didn't consider how having amazing, emotional milestones for Gabe and Hattie, Oliver and Shane and Norman and Rita might be a little too much. 

​So, when the milestone moment between Shane and Oliver happened (mostly) off camera,  I was annoyed and thought "You've got to be kidding me!"  I probably said it out loud too.  I figured it was shot that way to add impact to a later scene.  So, when that later scene happened with the milestone re-visited, it didn't have as much of an impact for me.  But, hopefully, it will when I watch it again.  I'm also hoping they shot it from different angles and will show it in a flashback in a later film.

​Anyway, the reveal about Hattie was wonderful.  Seeing Gabe's faith, hope and love rewarded in such a joyful way was awesome.

​And speaking of joy, the milestone moment between Norman and Rita was absolutely beautiful!!!  This film let their relationship shine.  It was heartwarming and done so well in every way. 

​Overall, it was another great film in the series.  I'm looking forward to watching it again.:.)

​Mission #2: Ask yourself where your higher ground is.  Come up with a few positive, healthy steps you can take to live your life on that higher ground.       

       
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Signed, Sealed, Delivered Pop-Up Blog

2/18/2017

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When I first heard about "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," I didn't think a series about postal workers would be all that entertaining -- no offense to postal workers. But once I gave the films a chance, I was captivated by the excellent writing, directing and acting. It's as entertaining as it is heartwarming. Really. And that's saying a lot.

​Tomorrow night, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Higher Ground" will premiere on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel. Because I've thought about writing a pop-up blog for some time, I figured SSD is as good a topic as any. And it's a fun topic as well.

​Although I'm not affiliated in any way with Moon Water Productions, Muse Entertainment Enterprises or Hallmark, I obviously love this series of TV movies. I've seen all of them...at least once. And I think they've all touched my heart. The Norman Dorman character, especially, has elicited more "aws" from me than I care to admit.

​The characters are really what draw people in. Oliver, Shane, Rita and Norman are four of the most lovable ones on television. In an era in which edgy writing and anti-heroes rule the roost, it's refreshing to watch characters who actually respect themselves and others. They're like an endangered species.

​So, for seven posts, let's take a break from divisive politics and edgy shows/films and cozy up to the SSD TV movies. Oh, and did I mention there will be missions as well? I'll be posting them (cringe-worthy pun intended)...

​Mission #1: Make or buy yourself a delicious dessert and warm beverage to enjoy during the premiere. Life is hard. We all need desserts and warm beverages!
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