Friday, March 7, 2014

Lasting Impressions

by Deanna

Reflecting back over the past few months, there have been some major milestone anniversaries in America’s history, some rather significant, others less, but they have all made some sort of a lasting impression. 

The first was the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November of 2013.  A day that I remember vividly and have repeated in words on a recent blog post on my personal blog entitled “I WasThere”

The 2nd milestone was the introduction of the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, again 50 years ago.  Now granted that doesn’t have near the same type of impact as the assassination of a US President, but the Beatles made a lasting impression on the music we have listened to from that point going forward.  If any of you missed the Beatles Tribute that was on TV recently I encourage you to search it out and watch.  It was a kick to see Ringo and Paul back together again, performing on stage.  What amazing talents these young men brought to the American music scene and again, I was there, newly married, sitting in our tiny apartment tuned in on our brand new TV that we hand carried home from the local TV store since at the time we didn’t even own a car.  I clearly remember that very night they made their American debut on the Ed Sullivan show.  All the screaming girls and that hair, a revolution in music began that night.

And most recently we were reminded by Ellen DeGeneres during the Oscar night awards this past Sunday that this is the 75th anniversary of the debut of “The Wizard of Oz”.  Now I was NOT there for that, but not being there sure doesn’t diminish my love for this great American movie classic.   And who among us doesn’t know the words to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”?!   My love for this movie is two fold, one for it’s wonderful message of true friendships, the struggle against evil and the fact that there really is “no place like home”. 


However the 2nd reason is a little more personal.  When my sweetie was younger he had great aspirations of becoming an actor.  As a young man he participated in a Summer Theatre Group (The Cherry County Playhouse) in Traverse City Michigan, where they brought in big name stars for the leads and the young aspiring actors as the “co-stars”.  Along with the nighttime “big name star” productions, during the day there were children’s productions and one summer, my sweetie portrayed  “The Scarecrow” in The Wizard of Oz production, the character that claimed he had no brain and needed the Wizard to grant him one.  Altho the Scarecrow felt he had no brain, it was revealed during the performance that indeed he was the wisest of them all by showing a quick wit, common sense and a remarkable insight.  All he needed was a little self confidence.  My sweetie loved that role, probably one of his favorites among the many that he portrayed over his acting career.  His sister, Sally gave this Scarecrow figurine to my sweetie for his birthday one year and it sits proudly on the bookshelf as a reminder of that time in his life.  


I think there are times in my life that I could sure use a Wizard who, like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, would give me the self confidence that I have the brains to make wise decisions, also a heart for tenderness and love, and bravery to face my challenges . This quote by E. E. Cummings pretty well sums it up…."We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit." 


  
   


11 comments:

Sarah Huizenga said...

Wonderful Deanna! Definitely one of my favorite movies, you just never tire of watching it.

Jeanne said...

Deanna I loved your post and well remember the events that you wrote about. I had the privelege of going to the first concert in the US that the Beetles did. I was 16 years old and the concert was at the COW Palace in San Francisco. They were such a revolutionary group that the school sent letters home to our parents suggesting that we not be allowed to go to the concert.... as it was an "evil" event. WOW, that really makes me laugh now. I love your story about your sweetie wanting to be an actor and the scarecrow shots are just wonderful. lovely times and what wonderful memories.!!!

kelly said...

thank you for sharing this heartfelt post. and such a positive quote to go into the weekend with. happy friday my friend. xo

terriporter said...

I remember these milestone events well (all except the debut of the "Wizard of Oz", of course!) But I think I have to have seen that over 100 times, between watching it as a child, my kids watching it and then my grandkids. As Jeanne said above, it's so funny to us now how "scandalous" the Beatles were back then! Loved hearing the story about your sweetie and his acting aspirations! And, as always, your photos tell such a wonderful story, they hardly need words. Loved this "feel good" post, my friend!

Kim Stevens said...

Such a nice post Deanna...and yes, we all need that someone to reveal that there is something valuable in us!

Dotti said...

Oh, my! I'm late, I'm late ... I've been out all day and just now getting to the computer although I did read FOL on my iPad while my car was being serviced. I love hearing about your 'sweetie' and it always makes me wish I could have known him before. And, oh! I love the little Scarecrow figurine! How did I miss that when I visited?

Unknown said...

Deanna,
I love the E. E. Cummings quote. Most of us need the reassurance that we are valuable, intelligent, creative or enjoyable to be around. I like the thought that having that confidence behind us helps us spread our wings, try new things and realize who we really are.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on a few American miles stones and what they mean to you. I still think about your "I was there" post.

Unknown said...

Beautiful, your words, your thoughts, your spirit.

Nicki said...

I so enjoy when you share your personal relation to these milestones in the history of our country and culture.

susan said...

thank you deanna for reflecting on such warm memories and adding such an inspiring quote by e.e. cummings. beautiful post!

Cathy H. said...

Wonderful post, Deanna! Our family has watched the Wizard of Oz many times. Now when we watch it I will think of your sweetie as the Tin Man. I think that's awesome. I've gone with my children and grandchildren to see children's plays and so admire those that take the time to entertain the young ones!

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