Posted October 1, 2026 — Mad Ramblings

So the wife's birthday was the other day. I pulled out all the stops: roses, cake, dinner AND a movie. The full romance package. Honestly, I'm so smooth I should be writing romance novels. Chapter one: "He Bought the Big Cake."

We went to see Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt and Odin. Odin is a dog. A German Shepherd.

Now, I'm not a huge Brad Pitt guy. I like his acting fine. The man has solid chops, and I enjoy his stuff. But he's not my number one favourite actor. He's not even in my top three. He's somewhere in the respectable middle, like a dependable minivan.

Brad Pitt was good in this movie. But the dog? The dog stole the show. Walked right in, wagged his tail, and took the whole movie home with him. Brad never stood a chance.

I won't get into the plot, because I don't want to ruin it for ya. But speaking as a self-certified dog lover (I mean, I have four. Four.), I highly recommend it. It made me all misty.

Now, that part's no surprise. I'm the softie in this house. I've got that middle-aged man sensitivity thing going on. Man-o-pause, I guess. These days I tear up at Hallmark movies, puppy commercials, and the occasional perfect pair of wool socks.

But here's the kicker. The wife ALSO got misty.

You have to understand: the wife is a rock. Business lady. Island country girl. Tough as nails and twice as sharp. I've seen this woman stay dry-eyed through things that would flatten a lesser mortal. And a German Shepherd had her reaching for the napkins.

Totally worth the price of admission. Happy birthday, dear.

On another note... the wife has been making colouring books! I've been consulted a few times on them, which I take as a great honour, even if colouring isn't really my cup of tea. But I'll tell you this: they're genuinely cool. Go check them out at madramblingspress.com/books/colouring-books.

Till next time, folks. Drop me a comment, even if it's just "hi." Let me know I'm not out here shouting into the ether. 🐾