The Note

The Note
There are some movies that one can watch several times and never grow tired of seeing. THE NOTE is one of those movies. The Hallmark Channel airs it often, and it is apparently the network’s highest rated movie to date. There is a very good reason for this.

THE NOTE stars Genie Francis (“Peyton Macgruder”) and Ted McGinley (“King”) as journalists, co-workers and friends. Viewers see they have romantic feelings for each other, but it takes them some time to admit it, as “Peyton” is a widow and “King” is a divorced man. Both have complex pasts that make it clear why caution is prevalent. Another distraction: “Peyton” discovers a note at the scene of a plane crash that provides a new direction for her column, which is needed because her editor is prepared to discontinue it.

“Peyton” believes the note was written by one of the plane’s passengers, so she seeks the intended receiver of the note. She uses her column to inform the public of this, receives responses, and follows up on them. Just when viewers of THE NOTE think “Peyton” will be able to bring light into someone’s life by giving him or her the note, details of her past are revealed, requiring her to face situations she has tried to forget.

It is interesting that when we choose to face situations head on, we are better able to comprehend and eventually overcome them. Ignoring these “problems” just leaves space for the unwanted memories to pop up again. It is important to resolve issues and move forward. This is what “Peyton” does, and her life then takes a positive turn, as does her column. Furthermore, her relationship with “King” blossoms, and she is accepted by someone she thought would dislike her.

The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love
This sequel can be watched over again and again as well. The touching story of “Peyton Macgruder” continues as viewers see her and “King” are advancing in their relationship and dealing with new conflicts involving their adult children (his son and her daughter). At the same time, “Peyton” also deals with a negative letter from one of her readers, “Eve Miller,” played by an outstanding actress named Kate Trotter.

In this story “Peyton” is slow in responding to “King” after he proposes marriage, and “Eve” challenges her. “Eve” somewhat positions herself as an expert on love so “Peyton” takes an interest in her. Through their discussions and a journalist’s curiosity, “Peyton” discovers fascinating information about “Eve.”

Without giving away too many details of this beautiful story, “Peyton” learns from “Eve” what can happen if one is not completely honest with herself. It is better to take a chance than to realize many years of joy have been squandered because of stubbornness.

The Season of Miracles

This is the season of miracles. The Jewish tradition of Hanukkah (the Holiday of Lights) commemorates the time when a small amount of oil lasted eight days and kept the light in the temple from going out. Christmas celebrates the coming of the “Light of the World,” God in human form: Jesus.

I have been watching my share of Christmas movies on Hallmark Channel and Lifetime Television. Each of the stories entails the theme of miracles. A family that usually does not celebrate Christmas has a stranger come into its life who introduces everyone to the glory of Christmas; a single woman who has had a negative experience with dating swears she is content without a steady companion suddenly meets and falls in love with a man who is just right for her; or a tragedy occurs in the life of someone who does not want to observe Christmas eventually experiences something, like an epiphany, and chooses to embrace the holiday, managing to inspire others.

I hope these stories do not seem too sentimental to you. I like them. I think we need them. Just as Emily Dickinson has written:

“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.”

That is just the first stanza of her poem, “Hope is the Thing with Feathers.” She personifies hope, giving it a life of its own, which makes me think that hope is something we should welcome. Hope is what can keep us alive, especially during this difficult time when so many have lost their homes and jobs. In the midst of those unfortunate circumstances, one can still hold on to hope, and believe this is the season of miracles.