https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-aSjHnbw18
This song is one of my earliest of my own choosing. Up until ABC, my music was that which was passed to me by my parents. I owned the 45 and knew all the words. This song takes me back to a very carefree period in my life. It never occurred to me then, that I would have to learn to know who I was. My life is more complicated now. To help me sleep at night I have been making lists in my head. I recently started trying to make a list of my top 5 movies.
I have had the most lively debate in my head, paring down a long list of favorites. It would seem making the list taught me much about myself. Well, four months later...I have a firm top 5.
I have had a good time with this endeavor. I watched several of my favorite movies again. It has helped me be my own friend. I have dissected what I loved about each. It is as if I have written an essay in my head about the themes, music, places and people in each. I have championed the cause in each movie and I have felt privileged to watch the stories unfold.
After much thought my top 5 are as follows:
1. Out of Africa. I have loved this movie since I saw it when it opened in 1978. Now that I have been to many of the places in the movie...I love it more. I have a love for Africa because of this movie. It gave me the courage to see it for myself. I plan to return there as part of my retirement plan. I loved the strength of the main character. I felt her flaws as my own. I had no idea the day I saw this movie for the first time, that I would fly to Africa...all by myself...and live an adventure.
2. The Color Purple. I love a tale of strength among women. I love their loyalty to each other. I love the narration. I admire the hope that the women have in the face of adversity. The way the story is woven, I witnessed women making their own peace in their souls. It made me realize, I could confront my own, albeit lessor challenges.
3. The Shawshank Redemption. This movie was all about the relationships of men. That is a rarity for me. I tend to gravitate towards movies about women, strong women. Ahhh, but I loved this movie. I will say I love their loyalty, their bond. They were men living in a tough environment, but they related to each other with all the love and strength of women. I loved the narration in this movie as well. I loved the audacity of hope... the humanity in such an abrasive environment.
4. My Cousin Vinny. You can't go deep with this movie. It made me howl. There are a million little plots in this movie. Sometimes, you just need to be dazzled with witty-sharp dialogue. For good measure there is the hairdresser-car mechanic heroine who saves the day. What is there not to
love.
5. The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio. I think I like the story this movie tells the most. I think it is important to remember why women fought for equal rights. More importantly I was proud of way the mother fought for her cubs. The mother was a gentle giant. I was watching this movie and heard a line that made me lift my head in attention. The mother tells her husband..."I don't need you to make me happy, I just need you to leave me alone when I am". That line describes the state of my marriage, just before it fell. We all think we want someone to make us happy. I don't think that anymore. I want someone who won't make me unhappy. I am responsible for my own happiness.
I know this list is a trivial thing of little importance; but I enjoyed this journey. I have been thinking about what I do in life that makes me happy. Looking at these stories I thought of the days I was taking classes in literature. I love looking at the mechanics of a story as much as the story it's self. I would love a degree in women's studies, for no other reason than the joy of doing it. Do I have a new bucket list item?
Sometimes you have to spend time with yourself. I found out mundane thoughts gave me a good look inward. Sometimes in life, you can be your own best friend. It is as simple as ABC, 1 2 3.
