The first of my Nice Things To Do was a trip to my local cinema. I went during the week at lunchtime and I have to admit it was nice to think that everyone else was at work (sorry), it felt rather indulgent and a bit like I was bunking off!

I went on my own, which is only the second time I've been to the cinema alone. I quite like it, you don't have to share your popcorn (salty and sweet - always) and can sit where you like AND you can cry to your heart's content if you wish (and I did).

The first film I saw alone was Mrs Hendersen Presents (I cried then too) starring Judi Dench, whom I adore, when I grow up I want to be just like her. It seemed fitting that my second 'alone film' was also one of hers. My local cinema was showing Philomena again, just for one day, and when I saw it listed I knew I had to go.

It was a lovely film - sad, funny, sweet, frustrating (those nuns!!) and poignant. The performances from both Judi Dench and Steve Coogan were palpable. Knowing that it was based on a true story I was completely absorbed. Forgetting that I was sharing the cinema with 16 others, I swore at the screen, tutted loudly, cried openly, and laughed aloud. I'll forever love any film that can grip me in this way. It's a film that I know I'll find myself thinking about a lot over the next few weeks.

This has set me on a bit of a mission to watch all the films Judi Dench has been in, I've already seen quite a few. I was surprised to see her pop up in the cast of The Chronicles of Riddick, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, but I'll happily watch them none-the-less.

I've loved her as M in the Bond films and am really looking forward to seeing some of her earlier work. She broke my heart playing Iris Murdock in Iris and as Ursula, the spinster sister, in Ladies in Lavender along side the equally wonderful Maggie Smith. I think I'm going to enjoy this!

Who do you want to be when you grow up?

Love