Sign Of The Times

I am still in denial that The Silver Screen Cinema and Cafe is actually closed. Last week, the e-mail came, after 15 years, Steve and Liz had to make the difficult decision to close their doors. Yes, close their doors on a Hometown Favorite, an institution here in Wellington. The cost of operation was too high, food prices were up, they were behind in their rent, they could not justify raising the prices as high as they would need to. It was just time. Time to close and move on.
At this time in history, too many businesses are having to make decisions to close, cut back, lay-off. This "Sign Of The Times" hit too close to home....it hit HOME....it hit my HEART.
Knowing that the days were numbered for The Silver Screen, Ron and I pulled a double header last Saturday. An early show and pizza with the girls, then we rushed them home and returned to our reserved table for dinner and a movie...one last time. One last time to experience that home town atmosphere where everyone knows each other and enjoys dinner and a movie in a unique setting. It was easy to over look the little quirks about The Silver Screen, the not-so-great sound system, the screen that needed repairing, the movies that were not first day new releases, etc. The quirks are what made Silver Screen all the more enjoyable.
I remember viewing Napoleon Dynamite at The Silver Screen and being the only person in the theater cracking up because I "GOT" that movie at every level having lived out west in one of those small towns.
It was just a great "go to" place for a family outing or a date night with Ron. We would call ahead and reserve our favorite table for dinner. We did not even have to arrive early as we knew our table was waiting and they knew we would be there before the movie started.
And the food...always delicious and satisfying.
We have hosted and attended parties at Silver Screen, met friends there, and never once entertained the possibility that someday The Silver Screen would close it's doors. Especially at a time when we need stability and comfort in every corner of our lives.

Thanks for 15 years of memories, Steve and Liz!

Share your memories of The Silver Screen Cinema and Cafe....

The Silver Screen Cinema Cafe

Loved This Movie....

Great messages, great lines... and a feel-good, thought provoking movie.

What would be on your Bucket List?????

(as in what you want to do before you "kick the bucket")

Made me think about mine!!!!

My list is definitely people centered VS places and events centered.

Yes, very predictable writing and some not so realistic situations in this movie, but I liked it.

There were so many great lines, I even took some notes!

I always think I am not going to like Jack Nicholson, but he is such a psycho brilliant actor and he always wins me over.

Morgan Freeman...loved him in the movie and love him as a person! I was on a plane with him a few years back and he was so nice to my girls. Loved his voice, demeanor, etc.

The extreme movie prude in me is not making a huge mention of the fact that there was some foul language in this film. Not much, but some. One wordis too much as far as I am concerned.

Those who know me are aware that I will leave a movie if the movie starts being pieced together with bad language. I have even been known to ask for a refund...and get it!

What made seeing this movie even more fun???

Going to Wellington's own version of "The Dollar Movies"

Silver Screen Cinema and Cafe!

and...

Being on a date with my best friend and love.... Mr. Ron!!!!

We call ahead to make reservations for a movie and dinner, which is always surprisingly delicious.

It is just an experience unique to "Welly-world".

Yes, I think they still have the same tables and chairs from the 80's and they have not changed the screens, the sagging curtains, or the not so great sound-system, but I love this little mom and pop place.

The owner, Liz, is there every week and makes sure to speak with us and sees that we are taken care of and happy.

Here is how long I have lived in Wellington...besides, too long...I can remember when The Silver Screen did not serve meals, and was only ONE theater, not the two small theaters it has now and when it was the ONLY Movie Theater in the Western Communities for miles and miles and miles around. (Big change from all the choices we have now..all in the name of progress)

And the most fond memory.... I remember when at the beginning of every movie, before the previews, the Star Spangled Banner would be played and everyone would stand up and place a hand over their heart during the song....yep...that was days gone by...I have lived here too long.

Next week, if time allows, we will see Vantage Point.

You know a movie will be on the market available for purchase as a DVD soon if it is playing at the Silver Screen Cinema and Cafe!!!

Here are a few lines, roughly quoted...

Both men are facing death and were discussing the Egyptian belief of what happens when someone dies.

A person is asked two questions which determine whether or not they are allowed in to heaven:

1) Have you found JOY in your life?

2) Has your life brought JOY to others?

My experience, thus far in life, is that when I help others feel joy, I find the most joy.

Pondering these questions is a great reminder of those truths I hold dear and an opportunity to think about where I am in life's journey.

I am seriously compiling my Bucket List. I find it has more to do with people than going to faraway places and doing exciting things.

What would be the focus of your Bucket List????