Tuesday, December 20, 2011
At some point in the Christmas season my "Inner Grinch" starts to surface and can be quite crabby. It happens when I start to feel too busy, or cynical about the commercialization of Christmas, or when it has been raining and dark for a few days. We all have our Grinch like days. Luckily, there are many ways to soothe and calm my Inner Grinch and one way is by laughing. Whether it is laughing with my friends, reading a good book that makes me laugh or going to a movie it all helps. My family recently went to Peterborough for a doctor's appointment so we took advantage of being there and went to see a movie. We chose the Muppet Movie and it was the perfect antidote for my grinchly state. I was a Muppet fan when they were on tv in the late 70's and early 80's and I was so excited to see them again, and to watch them with my daughter and share that part of my life with her. As soon as the opening number started I was bouncing in my seat. I felt instantly happy and silly. It is a delightful story featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, Sweedish Chef, Gonzo the Great, Statler and Waldorf (the two grumpy old men in the balcony) and all the other Muppet Characters. I laughed hard 30+ years ago and I laughed hard at this movie. What amazed me was that the audience in Peterborough was mostly adults and I could hear people laughing and singing along with the Muppet Theme Song and The Rainbow Connection. It seems it was the perfect movie to watch on a cold and rainy December evening. It was a trip down memory lane for all of us. I have so much respect for Jim Henson who created these characters and show and for all the humour and joy he contributed to the world. I recently found this quote and it made me think of him
"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. "~Ralph Waldo Emerson. I think Jim succeeded. I hope you all find ways laugh as much as possible during the next couple of weeks.