The TMI post

I didn't expect this to be stressful. The test required me to collect a day of urine in a big jug, then shake it up and fill a test tube. The lab provided me with a prepaid FedEx package. I was given a number to call for pick up. Easy-peasy, right? 

Well, no. Since the lab is reviewing not only the content of my output but the amount, I had to choose 24 hours when I would be certain to be home so I could add to the jug every time I went to the bathroom. So that took a little planning. Then there's the fact that I'm a woman, so my kit had a little something extra in it: a "collection device" to slip between the toilet seats. However, it didn't fit securely so I had to place it and remove it every time. My cat, Roy Hobbs, was confused and fascinated by this "collection device." I wiped it out as well as I could but I wouldn't be surprised if a cat hair made its way into the jug, too. I hope it doesn't spoil the sample. I don't want to do this again.

Then there was FedEx. I called Wednesday AM, the day I was doing the collecting, and scheduled a pick up for Thursday morning. I explained that it contained a test tube I was returning to a lab, so timing was important and I couldn't leave it downstairs in the lobby of my building; the driver would have to ring the bell. Unfortunately, the customer service rep seemed more amused by my last name -- which he'd never heard before! -- than interested in the details of my order. Because he didn't fill me with confidence, I read and reread the number he gave me back to him, to make sure everything was in order.

Since I had a bad feeling, I called at 7:30 Thursday morning, just to confirm the package would be picked up between 9 and 5. Again, timing is important. Guess what: somehow it had been cancelled. (I knew he was a dipshit.)

What the fuck! This sample is time-sensitive. The kit clearly states: "Any sample received after 96 hours from the start time will be rejected."

I worked with a super-helpful woman named Desiree who rescheduled me. For between "now and 1:00." Of course this meant I couldn't even take a shower or take that icky jug and "containment device" out to the dumpster until FedEx arrived because I had to be nearby to respond to the doorbell. Naturally, he came at 12:40. 

I admit it: I was a wreck. I tried to distract myself from worry that FedEx wouldn't come through. I worked on my GOTV postcards. I cleaned the bathtub. But mostly I worried. 

After I handed it off, I couldn't wait to get into the shower! Then I took a nap. 

In the olden days, I handled stress better than I do now. I had deadlines and art directors and producers to deal with, and it didn't exhaust me like yesterday did.

But as I reflect I realize two things:

1) In my professional life, I had more control than I did yesterday.

2) I understood everything that went on at work. Yesterday was new to me.

So now it's over. Now all I have to do is wait for the results, which will give the urologist the info he needs to give me diet tips to slow further kidney stone formation. So it's all good.

Plus, I now appreciate just going to the bathroom without all that rigmarole.

Thursday Thirteen #376

Thirteen Popular Ice Cream Flavors. There's a teeny-tiny ice cream shop on the other side of town that's very popular. It's independently owned, employs high school students and is only open for six months each year. Plus the ice cream is delicious.

This year they have been promoting their new flavor: raspberry. I admit that, despite the shop's reputation for quality, I have no interest in trying it. I just don't like how it looks. Anyway, I wondered what flavors most Americans like, and this is what the International Dairy Foods Association has to say on the subject.

Here's the countdown:

13. Coffee

12. Chocolate peanut butter

11. Rocky Road

10. Neopolitan

9. Caramel

8. Mint chocolate chip (my favorite)

7. Cookie dough

6. Butter pecan

5. Chocolate chip

4. Strawberry

3. Cookies and cream

2. Chocolate

1. Vanilla!

Which one is your favorite?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

 

Teaser Tuesday

Here's how to play.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 

When Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind opens, Scarlett is 16 years old. She is so spoiled and pampered she doesn't even realize how spoiled and pampered she is. By the time we reach this passage, 330 pages later, Scarlett is 18. She's seen war and pain and deprivation and death.

Tonight, when Atlanta was so quiet, she could close her eyes and she was back in the rural stillness of Tara and that life was unchanging. But she knew that life in the County would never be the same again. She thought of the four Tarletons, the red-haired twins and Tom and Boyd, and a passionate sadness caught at her throat. Why, either Stu or Brent might have been her husband. But now, when the war was over and she went back to Tara to live, she would never again hear their wild halloos as they dashed up the avenue o£ cedars. And Raiford Calvert, who danced so divinely, would never again choose her to be his partner.  And the Munroe boys and little Joe Fontaine and —
“Oh, Ashley!” She sobbed into her hands. “I’ll never get used to you being gone.”

When I came upon this, I realized, "I do this!" I do this in the morning when I first wake up. I do this when I hear a song on the radio. I do this when I'm not actively focused on something else. My mind goes back to when I still had Henry and John. And then I understand life will "never be the same again."

 

I no longer know how to flirt

I went to a wedding Saturday night. I admit I was dreading it. Weddings are less fun when you don't have a date, and I never have a date. Plus I'm a friend of bride's mom, so I assumed going in I wouldn't know many of the other guests. I was right.

Still, I'm glad I went. I held the bride when she was a newborn. Her big brother, whom I've known since he was in preschool, officiated. He's now a dad and his toddler son preceded the bride down the aisle. Seeing all that history parade past, being able to enjoy what lovely and productive adults they have grown into, was very moving.

The ceremony and reception were held at Salvage One, a repurposed vintage warehouse. In between the events I wandered, solo of course, around this unique and fascinating space. An age-appropriate man -- turns out he was the groom's uncle -- was shadowing me and finally we began chatting. Amiably. We talked about how the stuff we grew up with in the 1960s is now "vintage." The mother of the bride, my friend, spotted me and gestured me to join her. She wanted me to spend some time with her toddler grandson. As I moved away from the man I was talking to, he actually looked sad. Oh, my God! We'd been flirting! It's been so long since I hung around with a man who wasn't gay, married, or far too young for me that I didn't know what flirting looks like anymore.

Onto the reception. When I first settled in at my assigned table, I found myself seated beside and across from women I'd met at previous gatherings at the home of my friends (the bride's parents). Everything was going well until the music started. It made it difficult to converse with anyone but the person immediately beside you. Gulp. The person to my left was another age-appropriate single man. (Who knew there would be at least two at this wedding?) He was a "third wheel," there with his adult children, who grew up with the bride. When we introduced ourselves, I extended my hand because I'm used to shaking hands with new people. He held mine a little too long, making me uncomfortable. Oh, here's that flirting thing again! He and his twenty-somethings came in from New York, and while they were clearly into college football (and seemed to have money on some games), he was still a New Yorker, so I asked him if he was aware of the baseball games going on this weekend at Wrigley Field (see post below). Then I couldn't wait for the food to arrive because I just didn't feel like doing the hetero man-woman thing.

First of all, while obviously there was something attractive about me in my coral knit pantsuit with the mesh bell sleeves, I feel (and am) very fat. Second, it's been a very long time since I kissed or even danced with a man and I just didn't feel like giving it a try with either of the available candidates.

So after dinner -- and after observing the bride and groom's first dance, as well as hers with her dad and his with his mom -- I ducked out. I'm glad I went but I was also more than ready to get home.

Sunday morning I awoke to a text from my friend, the mother of the bride. She said she was sorry she didn't have a chance to hug me before I left because she was "grateful for the positive influence" I have always been on her kids. Wasn't that lovely?

 

Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash 

When Wrigleyville became Wrizzoville

I was in Wrigley Field on Friday to welcome my favorite-most ballplayer, Anthony Rizzo, home. It was his first time within the The Friendly Confines since he was so cruelly ripped from us in 2021. This was one highly emotional homecoming. 41,100 fans gave him an ovation every time he came up to bat. The Cubs ran  a very nice tribute/highlight video before the game and played his old Cub walk-up music whenever he approached the batter's box.*

Lest you think all this sentiment and passion were limited to me, I give you the back page of Chicago Sun Times, as well as signs I noticed in the neighborhood around the ballpark.

 

And this is a man enjoying a capacity crowd (including me and my nephew) welcoming him home.

Forever My Captain

As one of the handmade signs said: THERE'S NO BAD BLOOD. JUST MAD LOVE FOR RIZZO.

*This is never done for players on the opposing team.

Sunday Stealing

200 QUESTIONS

1. What shows are you into? I watch a lot of TV. I've recently discovered reruns of Mad About You on Rewind TV and there's a new season of Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. I always watch Friends and Law and Order when I stumble upon them.

2. What’s your claim to fame? I am a childless cat lady. And I vote.

3. How often do you play sports? I try to go to yoga classes weekly and I stretch every morning. That's it.

4. Are you early or late? Late

5. What quirks do you have? I have no sense of direction. None whatsoever. Right now, am I facing north or south? I don't know. I have always worn my watch on my left wrist so I can tell right from left. When I was a kid, parents and teachers alike told me it's because I don't pay attention but I really think there's a problem with how my neurons fire. I also have no reflexes when the doctor hits my leg with that rubber hammer. When I was a little girl, the family doctor thought this was funny. In retrospect, I wish he had taken this more seriously. It was likely an early indicator of my congenital spine issues.

6. How often do you people watch? All the time.

7. What’s your favorite drink? Coke.

8. What do you hope never changes? Coke.

9. What’s your dream car? One that comes with a chauffeur.

10.  Where would you rather be from? Nowhere. I love my neighborhood. I love my country.

11. What songs have you completely memorized? Gazillions. I may not remember my right from my left, but I'm great with song lyrics.

12. What would you rate 10/10? Cuddling with my cats.

13. What job would you be terrible at? Chauffeur.

14. What skill would you like to master? I don't know that it's a skill, but I'd like to be better at yoga.

15. What movie title best describes your life? I'm sorry, but I've got nothing for this.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Summer in the City (1966)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Now that Labor Day has passed and kids have returned to school, summer is unofficially over. Looking back, share a highlight from Summer 2024. My movie group had a Memorial Day get together to see From Here to Eternity (1953) on the big screen and afterward had a late lunch at the Argentinian restaurant around the corner. It was a big deal to me because I got to know Audrey a little better. During our regular weekly Zoom meetups, she annoys the living shit out of me. Always the wrong conclusion and the dumber-than-dumb question! But in person, her fragility touched me. I didn't realize how compromised her vision was, or how easily she could lose the thread of conversations. I now have greater compassion for her, and I'm grateful for that Memorial Day learning experience.

2) Though this week's song is about summer, it was recorded in the spring, March to be exact. What's your favorite season? Fall. I like my sweaters.

3) Lovin' Spoonful lead singer John Sebastian sings that he's going to meet his lover on the rooftop. When were you last on the roof of your building? I was up there once with a building inspector. There's really no reason for any of us residents to go up there. The door is locked and it's not allowed, anyway. As a top-floor resident, I appreciate this policy.

4) The lyrics refer to sidewalks that are "hotter than a match head." What's the last thing you lit with a match? Golly, I don't recall. I don't even have matches in my home. Back in my (very) old apartment, I used to have to light the gas stove's pilot light. But that was, like, 25 years ago. I don't even know if that's a thing anymore.

5) The Lovin' Spoonful was founded by John B. Sebastian and Zal Yanovsky. When the band broke up, Zal opened a restaurant. Tell us about the restaurant you most recently dined at. Shake Shake. Though known for their burgers, I broadened my horizons and had the chicken nuggets. 

6) John went on to have a solo career. His biggest hit was "Welcome Back," the theme to a popular 70's sitcom. The first line: "Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out ...". Do you recall what show used "Welcome Back" as its theme? Welcome Back, Kotter. He has a connection to a far, far better sitcom, though. His godmother was Vivian Vance, aka Ethel Mertz on I Love Lucy. (I learn things helping Crazy Sam do this meme.)

7) In 1964, when "Summer in the City" was popular, Americans were tuned in to Bewitched. The show centered around Samantha, a witch married to a mortal. Among her supernatural powers were flight, time travel and telekinesis (being able to move objects by twitching her nose). If you could have one of those powers, which would you choose? I'll go with the nose twitching thing. I always thought that was monumentally cool.

8) In 1964, AJ Foyt earned the second of his four Indy 500 victories. Do you watch car racing? Nope.

9) Random question: Is your big toe your longest toe? Yes.

 

Oh, really? I hadn't heard!

 

My favorite-most ballplayer is coming home! For the first time since he was so cruelly ripped from us in 2021, our captain is returning to Wrigley Field. 

This is massive for Cub fans and for me, it feels very personal. Anthony Rizzo is not only the player who made the last out in 2016 World Series -- ending the 108 year championship drought -- and hit 242 of his 303 home runs as a Cubs, he is legit a philanthropist who made life here in Chicago better for his efforts.

He built the family waiting room at Lurie Children's Hospital. During covid, he catered lunches for healthcare workers doing the vaccinating (not only seeing that the workers ate, but making sure that struggling independent neighborhood restaurants saw business). I could go on and on -- and if you know me, you know I have! -- but it's such a big thing. Anthony Rizzo used his influence here in Chicago to do good and encourage others to do the same. His philanthropy continues in New York. For example, last month  he spent his 35th birthday at the FAO flagship store, giving pediatric cancer patients a shopping spree.

So I am beyond thrilled that I will be there in the stands Friday. It will be emotional. I'm not a cryer, but I know I won't get through the game without tears. He will get at least one ovation from the 41,000 fans at Wrigley Field on Friday, and he deserves it.

In fact, no one deserves it more.

Thursday Thirteen #375

The Fran Kubelik edition. One of my favorite movies is The Apartment (1960). Jack Lemmon is a drone at a huge insurance company and becomes smitten with Shirley MacLaine -- aka Fran Kubelik -- who works as an elevator operator.

That romantic scenario couldn't happen today because elevators are self operating. Here are 13 other jobs from days gone by that Fran couldn't have today.

1. Typist in a typing pool

2. Switchboard operator

3. Keypunch operator

4. Inside the kiosk at Fotomat

5. Counter girl at a video rental store

6. Projectionist in a movie theater

7. Lector, who read aloud to factory workers to keep them entertained (popular in Florida's cigar factories)

8. Factory floor timekeeper, who timed employee production manually with a stopwatch

9. Milkman

10. Streetcar conductor

11. Pinsetter at a bowling alley

12. Door-to-door saleslady

13. Car hop, a waitress who brings food to diners in their cars at drive-in restaurants

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

Teaser Tuesday

Here's how to play.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 

There was no one to tell Scarlett that her own personality, frighteningly vital though it was, was more attractive than any masquerade she might adopt. Had she been told, she would have been pleased but unbelieving. And the civilization of which she was a part would have been unbelieving too, for at no time, before or since, had so low a premium been placed on feminine naturalness. 

So much attention has been paid -- rightly so -- to the racial stereotypes perpetuated and celebrated in Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. But a big part of why the story endures and has captured my heart is the depiction of the women.

Like Scarlett. It's amazing to me that in 1936, when Gloria Steinem was just two years old, Margaret Mitchell created a heroine who is impetuous, vain and willful, as well as strong, imaginative, straightforward and ferociously in charge of her own fate.

 

Sunday Stealing

It's pistachio, but I'm pretending it's mint

ICE CREAM

1. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mint chocolate chip

2. If you could invent a new flavor of ice cream, what would it be? Hmmm ... I'm really bad with this sort of thing. How's this? You come up with the flavor and I'll name it.

3. Who do you like to eat ice cream with? A spoon. I don't like cones.

4. If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be? The Gal's Mouthwatering Musings

5. Does your family eat ice cream regularly, or just for a special treat? When I was a kid, I don't recall my mom keeping ice cream in the freezer. It was a treat for birthdays or when we dined out.

6. What is your favorite treat from the ice cream truck? Oh, I haven't had anything from the truck in forever! But there used to be an ice cream bar with a chunk of hard milk chocolate in the center. I did love that.

7. Does frozen yogurt taste different than ice cream? Yes.

8. If you could make a super sundae, what would it have? Oh, the usual: one scoop, topped with hot fudge, whipped cream and nuts. Cherry? Sure.

9. Can ice cream make a bad day better? Yes.

10. Have you ever had homemade ice cream? Yes.

11. When is your favorite time to eat ice cream? Afternoon.

12. What is the best kind of ice cream you ever had? Mint chocolate chip.

13. Do you prefer your ice cream in a cone or in a bowl? Bowl.

14. Is there such a thing as a bad flavor of ice cream? Yes! I had a cantaloupe flavored ice cream once and it was the stuff of nightmares.

15. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. What does an ice cream a day do? Add to your hips.

16. Is ice cream better when it’s fresh or slightly melted? Fresh.

17, What is the craziest flavor of ice cream you’ve ever seen? I recall hearing about pizza flavored ice cream, though I never had it myself. (And don't wish to.)

 

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

August Happiness Challenge -- The Last Day

Today's happiness: So much!

My 2024 Happiness Icon

The last day of Happiness Month really delivered. None of these things is huge, but they each brought me a smile.

1) 9/10 of a mile. That's how far I walked today, each way, to my shrink appointment! Usually we meet over Zoom on Tuesdays but for scheduling reasons we met in person in her office today. And I walked both to and fro. Last week at this time, I never could have walked nearly two miles on this knee. So I'm super grateful that the prescribed PT and ice are working.

2) $114. Months and months ago I got notice that my former employer had done something shady in regards to administering our 401K plans. I admit I didn't follow the allegations but I wasn't surprised because my former employer was not known for sterling ethics (I'm still mad about how my client was treated). Anyway, when asked if I wanted to join the class action suit, I checked YES. Why not? Even if I didn't win, I'd be contributing to their agita and that made me happy. Anyway, the case was resolved and I received a check for $114. It's not enough to set the world on fire, but found money is nice. Plus it's good to know that when an employer runs afoul of ERISA (The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), there are penalties.

3) Frames in the powder room. My aunt has had a tough year. Her husband battled cancer, she had gut trouble, a Florida storm damaged their sea wall, and she's still Trumpily estranged from one son and two adult grandchildren. I've been sending her quilled greeting cards. They are beautiful, they make her feel special, and I get a 40% employee discount at the card shop. Today she sent me a photo of her powder room. She actually had the cards framed! It's happy, and humbling, that something really pretty effortless on my part brought her such joy.

 

4) Constance MacKenzie. My little Connie Cat has been beside me as I compose this post, and most of my little August Happiness stories. She's 11 or 12 years old now -- about 65 in human years, so she's a senior citizen. But she's healthy and happy and oh! So full of love. Sweet, gentle and trusting. It's a privilege to have her in my life.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

Saturday 9

Morning Train (1981)

1) In this song, Sheena Easton sings about her lover, who takes a train to and from work each day. When is the last time you took public transportation? Where did you go? Earlier this month I went downtown to meet Elaine for a movie and dinner. I can't believe that's the only trip I've made this month but it's true. Strange when I remember I spent the better part of my 45 year professional life commuting to work.

2) His workday begins at 9 and ends at 5. Do your days stick to a predictable schedule? Not anymore. In semi-retirement it seems I'm either busy and scheduled or quiet and lazy, nothing in between.

3) In the evening she sings that they may go to a movie, a restaurant or slow dancing ... whatever she wants. Which of those would you choose? Restaurant

4) As a little girl, Sheena Easton performed at family gatherings, not just because she was talented but because she could be a bit of a ham. When you were a kid, were more often shy or outgoing? Outgoing, but not in a performative way. Just in a noisy and fidgety way.

5) In the late 1980s she was the spokeswoman for Bally's health clubs. Do you have a gym membership? I have a membership to a yoga studio, paid for by my Medicare supplement plan. YAY!

6) In 1987 she played Sonny Crockett's love interest on Miami Vice. Were you a fan of the show? I really enjoyed the first season. I lost interest after that. Here's the thing: the 80s were my party girl days and I've never been techy. Miami Vice aired on Friday nights, I was seldom home on Friday nights, I was recording Dallas on my VCR and taping two shows on different channels was beyond my expertise.

7) This weekend is a good reason to have a picnic or barbecue. The best-selling barbecue sauce flavors are sweet, spicy, and smoky. What's your favorite? Sweet

8) Labor Day weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore? Yes

9) Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the fall. Will you be adding any new fall clothes to your wardrobe? I don't think so.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 30

Today's happiness: A text from Will.

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Will is the moderator of our movie group. Over the last decade we have slowly, very naturally become friends away from our weekly get togethers. It's not like with my fellow movie group members Joanna and Elaine, where we make dates and hang out, going to lunch and museums and the like. With Will, it's either at a group movie event or at the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood or by text.

Our texts are almost exclusively about classic film. But this morning's message made me smile. It was a photo of my beloved Anthony Rizzo enjoying a night on the town watching the US Open with Yankee superstar Aaron Judge. Will, a big tennis fan, was obviously checking on last night's action, saw that pic and thought of me. Will knows I have been concerned (OK, obsessed) with Rizz' health/well being and he knew that happy snap would make me happy.

It did. Even more, I'm happy that we're getting to know one another better and that he was so thoughtful. I can't have too many friends!

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 29

Today's happiness: I'm not diabetic.

My 2024 Happiness Icon

That may seem like a strange thing to be happy about, but I was worried. My late friend John was diabetic. My oldest friend is diabetic. My friend Kathy is diabetic. Mindy's husband Alan is diabetic ... It seems like all the kids I run with are diabetic!

I had bloodwork this morning and my A1c is 6.0. Yes, it's higher than normal (5.7) but it's not in the diabetic range (6.5% and above). It's also lower than it was last year (6.1) and 2020 (6.2). I guess drinking more water and doing yoga really is making a difference to my health.*

 

I am not only happy with these results, I'm grateful. To have a test in the morning and then see the results within hours is a wonderful thing. To have the results show I'm moving in the right direction is super terrific.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

*Now my cholesterol has gone up, though. I expect to be getting a message from my doctor within a couple days. (I'm aware we're going into a holiday weekend and I'm not an emergency.)

Thursday Thirteen #374

13 "other" things to do with your cell phone. I still have a landline, and when I want to make a call, it's still what I reach for. Similarly, if you want to talk to me in real time, you're more likely to connect with me on the landline. When I'm home, my cell is often in my purse.

But really, cellphones aren't really telephones anymore. They are portable computers and personal assistants. Here are 13 things I do with my cell phone that have nothing to do with (verbal) conversation.

1. Take pictures

2. Send texts

3. Respond to Messenger

4. Check Facebook

5. Check email

6. Summon rideshares

7. Get real-time transit information

8. Confirm my work schedule at the card shop

9. Get cheap eats through Too Good to Go

10. Listen to baseball through MLB app

11. Turn to Google Maps for directions

12. Access my library's music selection and stream tunes

13. Listen to podcasts

How do you most often use your cellphone?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 28

Today's happiness: Uncle Charlie

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Once again, my 2024 Happiness Icon reflects today's happiness. I rewatched a really good classic film: Shadow of a Doubt. 

Uncle Charlie suddenly travels to Northern California to visit his sister's family. His oldest niece, Charlotte, is called Charlie in his honor and she just idolizes her Uncle Charlie. It soon becomes obvious that there's a dark reason for his impromptu visit.

Of course there is. This is a Hitchcock movie. In fact, it's Hitch's favorite of all the movies he did.

I can't wait until my movie group discusses this one on Monday night. I know it's a particular favorite of our moderator, Will, so he will bring lots of enthusiasm to the meet-up. I'll be right there with him.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

WWW.WEDNESDAY

 

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up.

1. What are you currently reading? Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I would be hard placed to think of a more influential novel than this one. Scarlett O'Hara is the prototypical diva heroine, strong-willed and beautiful who has a lot to learn about life. Would we have had Erica Kane on All My Children or Rose in Titanic without Scarlett? Then there's Melanie, the yin to her yang. Selfless, honest and eager to see the good in everyone. GWTW is one of the best selling books -- and, when you adjust for inflation, most profitable movies -- of all time. And it's got three-dimensional women at its core! Imagine that!

 

It's also insanely entertaining. Margaret Mitchell keeps us inside Scarlett's head almost the whole time. We see the war and the fall of a civilization through this girl's eyes. We meet at least a gazillion other citizens of Atlanta or The County: Tarletons and Fontaines and Munroes and Calverts and Merriweathers ... Yet I never get them confused. Mitchell draws even the minor characters sharply and uniquely. Brava!

All of this is not to say it's not disturbing at times. The way the Confederacy is portrayed -- as though there is moral equivalency with the Union and that The Cause is admirable -- is skin crawly on its face. Slavery is presented as acceptable and even benign. Again, skin crawly. No, obscene.

We live in a country where people continue to revere the  Confederacy without taking single moment to consider how that makes their neighbors of color feel. GWTW is a constant reminder of America not only in the 1860s but well into the 20th century and beyond. At a time when school boards resist telling our young people the truth about our history of race and slavery, this book remains highly relevant.

 

2. What did you recently finish reading? The Boys by Clint Howard and Ron Howard. I enjoyed this joint memoir enormously. "Opie Cunningham" and the kid from Gentle Ben have some terrific stories to tell! While the setting is Hollywood, the vibe is universal and highly relateable.

It's got popular and promising young Jean giving up her own acting career because she doesn't ever want to be separated from the love of her life, husband Rance. Then there's Rance, a struggling working actor, facing the fact that his pre-school aged son Ronnie is a more marketable commodity than he is. How does a family navigate all that and maintain their values? Rance and Jean were not perfect, but they were admirable. They are the heroes of this book, and I liked Rance and Jean very much.

 

PS I'm happy to report that Andy Griffith showed up for Ron Howard's wedding, and Henry Winkler is an all-around mensch.

3. What will you read next? Don't know.