The loudly simmering whirlwind renders
Golden bolts of bronzed shelter.
Knotted, but paradise.
Mossy, ruby ladder
Running cold.
Roses ramble,
Watching music, night, and rain.
Colleen Sohn
Tags: Poetry
My blogger friend Lori asked me what I thought of the Oscars. The answer, as seen in in this slightly outdated photo of me: friends, I cried.
First, I cried at all the excitement and hope of the people in attendance, the fans waiting for a glimpse of a star. Then of course, it was the dresses, the beautifully draped fabrics, shimmering violet, blue, red, and gold. Then it was the winners (none of them disappointments, for once) and their heartfelt speeches. I kept exclaiming, aloud to myself, “That’s so nice!” and “How sweet!” Then it was the fact that a woman won best director for the first time in history yet did not make it about that but rather the film and the infinitely brave people who place themselves in harm’s way every single day, at home and abroad. There was no shortage of tears. Thank goodness I was alone, for a guest might not have known what to do with Little Miss Waterworks. Heck, I’m a little weepy as I type this, in memory, and the fact that the sound track to Out of Africa is playing in the background, and that, like so much music, always gets to me.
In all honesty, I cry a lot, for all manner of reasons: joy, kindness, love, cruelty, injustice, fear, longing, and, sometimes, I honestly couldn’t tell you why. The tears just come. I used to be embarrassed by this fact, which was made worse by someone exclaiming, and not in a friendly way, “You cry at the drop of a hat!” But in his infinite love and understanding, and my great privilege, the hubster told me it was such a gift, to feel so openly and honestly. I just can’t help myself, nor do I want to.
I am waking up, realizing this isn’t very specific to the actual Oscars, besides the crying, so a list:
* I liked the Neil Patrick Harris opener, but not because I like numbers like this, I just like him. He’s got gusto and makes me laugh.
* Alec and Steve were a little off in the opening but came into their own. I especially liked their hotel room scene.
* I really liked the dancing to the music of the best original score nominees.
* I liked the tribute to John Hughes, felt a little confused by the horror tribute (Jaws is horror?), and very sad when I remembered everyone who died, especially Brittany Murphy.
*As I stated earlier, for the first time I can remember, I wasn’t disappointed by any of the winners, so that was nice.
Hello Neighbors.
Ahh, Fred Rogers. I once won a scoop of ice cream for knowing his first name. I think I chose cinnamon. Another time, at the same scoop shop, I knew that “Video Killed the Radio Star” was the first song played on MTV. See Darin, trivia can serve a very special purpose, beyond board games. Though, of course, the name of the ice cream shop escapes me. It was on 15th and Market in Denver. Anyone else remember? Anyone? Bueller?
Anyway, my fondness for the man goes beyond the fact that he helped me score delicious ice cream. I wish I could pinpoint exactly what it is about him. His sweaters were pretty terrific, all knitted by his mother, by the way. One is even hanging in the Smithsonian. I made a special trip to see it when I was there and was surprised by it’s size. It’s funny, most people I have heard are surprised by how petite famous people are in person (We saw Kelly Ripa in New York, and she was tiny), but I had the opposite reaction. For such a soft spoken man, his sweater seemed huge. Which, I suppose, is appropriate, considering the impact he’s had on the lives of so many, including me.
Perhaps, it is the fact that he truly believed in children, and adults, too. He loved people, kindness, music, and the joy of discovery (did you ever see him tour a factory?). He was never embarrassed either, willingly admitting when he didn’t know or understand something. A model citizen in blue sneakers.
p.s. The story floating around the interwebs about him being a war hero aren’t true, nor are the tattoos. Though wouldn’t it be cool if he had one of a zip-up cardigan?!
Here’s another hodgepodge post for you, starting with a terrific Danish film, Kinamand. It follows Keld, a man who can best be described as being in a rut. He’s a plumber who doesn’t show up for appointments and a man who doesn’t show up for his marriage. Frustrated by his apathy, his wife leaves him, which leaves Keld to dine at the Chinese restaurant across the street every day. As he makes his way through the menu, he forges a friendship with the owner, Feng. After a pipe bursts and Keld completes the necessary repairs, Feng takes him into his confidence and asks Keld if he would consider taking money to marry his sister (very pro-forma) so she can stay in the country. Initially, Keld refuses, but when his wife asks for a financial settlement under the terms of their divorce, he sees this as an easy solution to his problem. The two marry and move in together to keep up appearances. What starts as tense and very pro-forma develops into a tender relationship between a very oddly matched pair, with a few surprises along the way. Subtle and beautiful.
I am also very jazzed about the Oscars this weekend – the admiring of the dresses on the red carpet, the speeches, and the hosts. I think Alec and Steve (written like I am intimate with them, oh, my friends Alec and Steve!) will be a fine combination, so I am guaranteed to be sitting in front of the television for many hours Sunday afternoon and evening. I’ve even got a ballot printed and ready to take notes. Do you?
As well, Sunday is the second anniversary of Under a Red Roof. Two years, fancy that! Maybe we’ll have a little cocktail while watching the Oscars to celebrate. Thanks for reading!
You already possess everything necessary to become great.
Crow Proverb
Tags: Quoting
