Fandango’s Provocative Question #76

Fandango asks a provocative, thought provoking question each week. This one today, in this current time, gave me pause so I thought I should answer it – stream of consciousness style.

Are you satisfied with your life at the moment. If so, what is it that brings you the greatest satisfaction? If not, what might you do to achieve satisfaction in your life?

At first glance this seems an easy question to answer, but after a little thought, it’s not a question that evokes a simple response. We are in the middle of a global pandemic, something I did not see coming when we entered into retirement a few years ago. The early news was that simply by the virtue of age, I was in the high risk of unfortunate outcomes should I contract the virus. Add to that a society that seems to be coming apart at the seams, times could be better. In my cocooned little world, however, I am very satisfied. We are fortunate to be financially secure, our house is paid for and we have access to all that we need. I am living with a man who loves me as much as I love him and we are comfortable and content with the life we have built together. I know several people who have chosen to split up during these times because their living arrangement just was not healthy and a pandemic does not make bad things better. One friend told me someone she knew split because the person they were with was not their doomsday partner. So, if this is my doomsday, I am thankful to be coupled with the right person. Our children and grandchildren are all happy and healthy. There are a few hurdles what with job losses and all, but in the overall big picture, I do not worry about them too much – not more than a mom worries in normal times.  Let’s be honest, we could all find things to complain about and to yearn for if we look hard enough, but I am surrounded by artifacts of a life well lived. Other than a few aches and pains, I am relatively healthy and I have family that loves me. Nothing could satisfy me more than that.

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30 Day Film Challenge/Day 1

I maybe crazy for trying to undertake this challenge for July, but since it appears we will be safer at home until who knows when, it might be good. Let me just say, I am not a film aficionado by any stretch of the imagination. I am an avid repeat watcher, going back to films I enjoy rather than some of the newer films. So many I have seen of late have been a disappointment. I would make a horrible movie critic.

So, the Day 1 challenge is the first film you saw at the cinema. Let’s climb in the time machine and travel back to approximately 1960 or 1961. We lived in a rural environment and the closest movie house was about a 30 minute drive away at a time when many households did not have cars. But this afternoon was different. We were all loaded up in the car along with the grandson of a man who came and camped for weeks during the summer —  I do not remember his name but I do remember his laugh. The movie theatre would roar with it.

The movie was Disney’s “Swiss Family Robinson”. The film was based on the novel The Swiss Family Robinson, by Swiss author Johann David Wyss. Originally published in German in 1812, it was translated to English two years later. An earlier  film based on the book was released in 1940 by RKO pictures. Disney’s version was filmed almost entirely on the Island of Tobago. At the request of the local Tobago people, the treehouse built for the film was left intact after filming but was eventually destroyed by a hurricane. The tree still stands.

The movie was a great, but might be offensive to some of today’s sensibilities regarding  animal rights, women’s rights and conservation concerns. All the animals had to be brought to the island as none of them existed there. At my young age I just remember it being fun. One of the memories that linger most from my first indoor movie is how bright it seemed outside after sitting in a darkened theater for so long!

Enjoy the original 1960s trailer.

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I decided to take on this challenge for July after reading about it from SandmanJazz. Check out his blog and his entry for the first day of the challenge. Maybe even join the challenge!

 

 

One Liner Wednesday – Masks

I wear a mask so I will live until November 3rd

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One Liner Wednesday is generously hosted every Wednesday by Linda Hill.
One Liner Wednesday – Rules and other participants here.