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Sunday, January 4, 2009

False Alarms and Genuine Charms

If you've been reading my diary lately, you know I have broken the commandments several times since the day I rescued my ILs in a lightening storm on their way home from the airport to visit us for 42 days. Not surprisingly, most of the fist fighting and tongue lashing between us has broken out during The Office.

Having your ILs as your constant companions for 6 weeks really isn't that bad if you have a crank radio, plenty of spray whipped cream and learn to transcend yourself.

Transcending yourself is the only way to be go. I realize that now. And so several days ago I deemed this official Share the Love Sweet Love week on my blog, with a save-Tamn's-soul surprise party to kick off the heart-to-heart fest.

But it's been a strange and mysterious week since I decided to begin the perilous path toward love. My bedroom mirror fell from the wall, but it didn't break.

I was tazered by my microwave, but it warmed up my leftover ham and potato casserole anyway.

On New Years a bizarre firework went up somewhere in the community so exceedingly high that everyone turned and gasped. It didn't burst into a million glittery lights, just one orange beam that began descending in slow motion. As it moved through the sky it turned and glided down, down, down straight towards . . . ME! Of course. I stared it down fearlessly, and POOF, it burned out just before it melted my face off.

The a few nights ago, my husband and I went to see Australia. Just as the movie began, the emergency fire alarm went off. We all began filing out of the theater.


It was a FALSE ALARM!!!! Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle.


Three more times it cried wolf during the movie. And then I finally got it! The universe is trying to tell me something. Don't be afeared of false fire. False fire can annoy you, but it can't burn you.

What an empowering revelation. Especially during such a beautiful, powerful movie that opened the faucets behind my eyes.

How often do we let the false fire discourage us and keep us from finding our voice and saying what we need to say. Or from telling our story, or reaching our dreams or recognizing the genuine charms in our life. Like our children. Our spouse. Our parents. Our family. Our friends, and YES even our ILs, (bless their hearts).

I've watched three fabulous movies in the past three days, Australia, Benjamin Button and Kung Fu Panda. Let's just say that many tears were shed, insomuch that I knew not where to wipe the contents of my eyes (and nose). And much wisdom was imparted, insomuch that I feel as if I've had a weekend retreat with Yoda.

Allow me to share the wisdom:

1. We are too concerned with what was and what will be. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why they call it the present.

2. One often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it.

3. There is just news; no good news or bad news.

4. We must let go of the illusion that we have control.

5. There is no secret ingredient. YOU are the secret ingredient.

6. I'm not dying, you idiot.

7. You never know what's coming for you.

8. Send a postcard from everywhere.

9. When it comes to the end, you've got to let things go.

10. Just because something IS, doesn't mean it SHOULD BE.

11. In the end, all we take with us is our story.

12. If we don't have love we don't have anything, not even a story.

13. Somewhere over the rainbow dreams really do come true.

14. You can sing your loved ones to you.


I loved Kung Fu Panda, of course, but that's old news so I'll skip ahead.

I loved Benjamin Button. It was charming. Genuinely charming. The story, the lessons and Brad Pitt were all fantastic.

I LOVED Australia. It was a magical journey. Just like life. The journey was taken by a displaced group of misfits, who became a family because they grew love for each other. They protected each other against the antagonist. They fought side by side against the opposing force. There was courage and grief and dreams and fear and a harmonica and The Wizard of Oz.

But most importantly love sweet love.

The protagnist's name was Drover. I thought to myself, everyone needs a Drover. Someone who cares enough to save them.

But if you don't have a Drover, you'll just have to BE the Drover.

Love is a dangerous, perilous path. It's a win/lose. You WILL win, but you WILL lose. I know this because I'm a pessimist. Which means I'm a disillisioned optimist. Which means I've lost and I've been hurt, and who needs love anyway.

But deep down I know that all you need is love (and Code Red Mountain Dew).

My most favoritist line in the movie was "I'll sing you to me!"

It reminded me of August Rush and the idea that there is a language of love heard only by the ears of the believers in it, that leads and guides us and helps us find each other. Again. If we listen.

We have to listen!!!!!!

And we have to sing!!!!!

LY Everyone!!!!!!

26 comments:

Kristina P. said...

You really are sharing the love, along with great words of wisdom.

I also loved Benjamin Button, even though it was LOOOOONNNNGGGG. Beautiful movie. Strangely enough, the reason I haven't seen Aunstralia is because it's long. Oh, and it has Nicole Kidman in it. And I'm sort of over Hugh Jackman. But other than those reasons, I'm sure it's great.

Shelle-BlokThoughts said...

WOW! To much deep down deep discussion and KNOWLEDGE...

One must take these proclamations of understanding one YODA thought at a time! Really!

I will concentrate and meditate on the first one and get back to you!

I HAVE decided that I want to be a DROVER because I'm not quite sure who he is since I haven't seen Austrailia... but you said I must BE him or HAVE one of him.

I have decided to BE him.

Thank you.

Word Verifier--HYPEREDI

That is exactly how I feel...like a HYPER Ed and I...it's a crazy feeling, I don't recommend it ALL the time! But reading your posts is like walking into the middle of a TORNADO! :)

Emily Anne Leyland said...

See!!! I knew you would love Benjamin Button. I can't wait to see Australia now. FHE might have to wait for another night, tomorrow is date night...hehehehe

Jami said...

I am the secret ingrediant? Me? Who knew?

I am going to have to wait on BB but I will definitely put it on the list. That makes THREE of you who have blogged about it.

Australia? I am so out of the loop. But you had me at harmonica.

ralegy: I'm rawl edgey.

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

That was beautiful, and kind of like a huge buffet or smorgasborg, I agree with Shelle, I will have to go and digest it for a while. But still thanks for sharing the love.

Oh and thaks for giving me something to do instead of working on my lesson. Now we have 1 oclock church I can procrastinate until at least 11:30.

TisforTonya said...

I'm really behind on movies - but even I have seen Kung Fu Panda! of course, anything that can be compared to August Rush I will have to put on my to be seen list!!

(this early morning church schedule is messing with my bloggy rhythm)

word verification: hmmm... I'm not sure if I can comment on "fundicle" at all... is that like a tiny budget?

Melanie Jacobson said...

A disillusioned optimist. Interesting definition.

Stephen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sandi said...

Do we have to sing if we can't carry a tune??? See that is exactly why I loved mama mia....people who cannot carry a tune can burst into song and it's okay! I've been gone - just catching up on your blog-glad to see your sanity is intact- is the 42 days almost over???

Stephen said...

You are fabulously philosophic and insightful, but I must take issue with your so called wisdom. First of all you aren't close to a pessimist, just ask your cynic/realist/pessimistic/apostate brother. I will go over your list number by number.
1. If we don't learn from the past we are doomed to repeat the follies in the present and future.
2. Whatever path we take we are creating our destiny. A destiny might imply that we have no free will.
3. There is no bad news except when it's you caught in that tsunami.
4. So we need to accept that we have no free will?
5. #4 and #5 on your list contradict each other.
6. We are all closer to physical death with every second that passes. All true pessimists know that.
7. You never know what's coming but you can have a good idea by adding up all of your decisions.
8. Except Sin City, what happens there stays there.
9. Except for the idea that all of our mothers taught us of wearing clean underwear cuz you never know...
10. #10 and #4 are in conflict
11. Except for the sins you have truly repented of.? Unless you secretly get pleasure from them.
12. That's interesting, but I couldn't find love on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. With the absence of love, we can always take solace in our vices. Some people choose a vice over love, cuz sometimes love hurts too much. Then there are the Narcissists, who love themselves.
13. Dreams can come true with enough persistence, effort, desire, consistency, and little luck.
14. Singing could repel someone too. Have you seen Heartbreak kid?(enough said)
A true pessimist or realist would prefer the sitcom "House" over "Office". The Office is great and funny but reveals insightful hints of your personality, much like your writing does. At least with a couple of Dews you qualify as more of an idealist.

LBBlum said...

Watching Kung Fu Panda as I type - I love this movie for so many reasons .. too.. just growing up our movies you relied on magical forces: a fairy godmother, or had the ability to speak to animals to do your cleaning (snow white- I am still hopeful I'll be able to learn how to do this...)

but with KF Panda- there is not secret ingredient- you just have to believe in yourself.

But I must say- I hope it is red thread that connects us and not songs.. because have you heard me or my family sing? it's sad.

Mariko said...

Hmmm. I did not like August Rush, but I really want to like Australia and Benjamin Button, especially because of the beautiful (ahem) scenery. I also want to see Slumdog Millionaire and Four Christmases, Valkyrie, and that other nazi movie. Maybe I'm just a movie junkie. And I only have one more week to do it in.
Did I tell you I finally broke down and bought Kung Fu Panda? Yikes. After renting it for the 5th time we figured it would be cheaper to buy it, and less work to remember to take it back.
If there IS no secret ingredient, why am I not the dragon warrior? (or as Amaya says, the dragon oreo?)

The Crash Test Dummy said...

Kristina P. Since you're already over Hugh Jackman, if you can get over Nicole Kidman, you might love the movie.

Ha ha Shelle, Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. You are so right. At Pat is right too. We must learn wisdom line upon line. I need to write a single nugget on each post.

I will start with "I'm not dying, you idiot." I hope that's what Pat's mom said to her when she found out about her cancer. Wouldn't you like to hear that, Pat?

Shelle, I like how decisive you are. I'm glad you chose to BE a Drover. There's not enough Drover's in the world. (You make me laugh.)

Emily, does Ben need a ride home from the airport? Is it today or tomorrow? I always love picking him up because we laugh all the way home and then we start yawning and that makes us laugh even more. For those of you who don't know Ben, he's Emily's brother and he's super funny.

Jami, I'm so happy YOU are the secret ingredient. I can't think of a better person to be the secret ingredient.

Sandi, welcome back. I have missed you so much. I'm glad you're back. Now we're just waiting on the funny farmer. I think she's given up on me.

Swirl, ha ha ha, YES. I like the red thread idea better too, unless we can sing with Rock Band through the eternities. I'll try to be good and loving for that. It's werid to have you back from church so early. Don't you love it.

Mariko, I want to be the Dragon Oreo! How cute. Valkyrie was very good. I liked it very much. It made me think deep thought about the goodness and badness in the world. I'm a total movie junkie too. I told my husband I wanted to see 10 movies over the holidays. It's just not going to happen. I have to start working on my syllabus now. DRAT!

Hey, I was hoping to see you at Subway yesterday, Mariko, because I didn't have on any make-up and I didn't comb my hair. I didn't even put the clip in my bangs.

Stephen, ha ha ha I'll have to dedicate a whole comment just to you. This is already too long.

The Crash Test Dummy said...

Hey, I was the 13th comment. This is totally my lucky week.

Cajoh said...

Here are some of my words of wisdom you can chew on:
---
Some people play the game of life to win
while others play for fun— and win anyway.
---
Love is so simple— we just don't have the patience to make it so.

The Crash Test Dummy said...

Okay now to Stephen, my cynical/realist/pessimistic/apostate brother. ha ha ha ha Don't you know that wasn't my wonderful world of wisdom. That was movie wisdom. And everyone knows movie wisdom is always true.

I get the impression you don't think I'm a true pessimist. But really I am a disillusioned optimist.

But if you must take issue with it, I'll indulge you.

1. That is an ancient Chinese secret proverb uttered by Master Turtle. It's blasphamous to question ACSPU by MT's. Be careful or you might be struck ancient Chinese lightening.

2. That's not how it happened in the last/first Star Wars with Anikan. Isn't that proof enough that Kung Fu Panda . . . wait . . . you might have a point. Anikan was trying to avoid his destiny by using his free will (to keep Padame alive) which inadvertantly brought him to the destiny he was trying to avoid (Padame's death). He caused her death by trying to avoid it. So I guess we're both right. ;)

3. I'll give you that. You seem to be right on that one. Unless it's a perspective thing. No, I think you're definitely right.

4. Limited free will, which always leads us to our destiny, which can be found on the path trying to avoid it.

5. No, no, no. Movie truth never contradicts itself.

6. What was the question again?

7. Yes, you have a point, and yet you still don't know when you might give birth to a baby that's 80 years old.

8. True that. Don't send a postcard from Sin City. And don't send one from the edge either.

9. I don't remember mom ever telling us to wear clean underwear.

10. Hee hee. I see your reasoning.

11. hee hee hee. I hope we can take just a few of our sins with us. Just for those boring moments when we're in Family History class with Kellee Pickler. Hee hee

12. Maslov didn't know everything. I bet he was just another bored, lonely, crazy guy. But I guess we could still have our Code Red Mountain Dew without love.

13. Yes, but it takes a lot less energy to just wait for your dreams to come true over the rainbow.

14. I think a lot of people would agree with you on this one. So I'm going to revert back to the Invisible Red thread to hold us all together.

And, how funny about House vs. Office. House is funny, you're right. But it's kind of YOU. And Office is kind of ME. Only I'm not as nasty. And I don't ever say "That's what SHE said."

The Crash Test Dummy said...

Oh, Cajoh!(I mean YODA). Why didn't I think of that? It would have saved me a lot of deep thinking and typing.

I am LoW said...

Deep Thoughts by the Crash test Dummy.... awesome!

Stephen said...

Okay, I tried to pin you down on the philosophical Free Will/Determinism debate, you skillfully took the middle ground with limited free will. You've got skills. It was cool that you had the chance to see Obama, but I heard Lance Armstrong was vacationing/training in Hawaii, and was hoping you were going to post a larger than life post of a truly great american who pisses the French off.

Sandi said...

Hmm, I am wondering if this is how crash and her brother talk to each other in real life? I think you 2 are way over my head. I do agree about the Lance Armstrong thing- it would be way more cool to see him at Turtle Bay...:)

Jami said...

Crash, I'm glad you're happy to have made the 13th comment. But while we are waxing philosophical, I have a thought. Let's nix 13. Why does there have to be a thirteenth comment? A thirteenth anything? Couldn't the universe be reordered so that there was no thirteen...9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15...Really I'd just be so much more emotionally comfortable. Those science and math folks are smart. They could totally work around the no 13 thing.

J. Baxter said...

Speaking of waxing philosophical, I didn't know you had that much philosophical to wax! And the love - I'm reeling from all the love. (In a good way, of course).

And you have succeeded in cementing my desire to watch Australia. Do men like this movie, or is my husband going to hate me after sitting through all three hours?

Pam said...

Holy Cow, Debbie!! I have had a great evening blurking your blogs! When Robyn told me she found you, I had to sneak a peek and catch up on your real life. First off, would you mind if Mike and I came for a short 42 day visit?? I can hear your voice in everything you write. LOVE IT!! Do you remember when you tried to quit because Brooke escaped from the house and we couldn't find her and some random man brought her home from up on the busy road and I had to convince you that it was normal to lose a kid occasionally? And do you remember when I made a total fool out of myself by writing a letter to the editor about stupid coach Reid taking Alan's BBall scholarship? And do you remember that you were one of my all-time favorite people and I trusted you with everything that was most important to me? And how is it that it's been over 20 years and you look just the same???? Your family is adorable and I love that you are so REAL and honest and still so amazing. I so lucked out when you came into my life...seriously, you saved my sanity. Keep up the great blogging. I so need a good laugh in my life. Love your guts! XO Pam Williams P.S. Say Hi to Alan and tell him that Brad actually loves basketball in his adult life (now that Mike isn't forcing it down his throat!)

April said...

I feel like I'm riding the short bus on this one. So much info to take in.

I feel like breaking into song from Saturday's Warrior.....Line upon line, precept upon precept. That is how He lifts us, that is how He teaches His children.

The Crash Test Dummy said...

OMGOSH Pam, AKA Mom!!! How crazy to hear from you 20 years later on my CRAZY blog. Phew. So glad you like it.

I was so excited to hear from Robyn and I looked at all your kid's blogs. I thought it was soooo sweet that you comment delicious words of kindness on each post. How supportive you are! And I was a little envious when I saw the big family party during Brooke's labor. How fun to have all those girls. They are all beautiful. Robyn look like Hillary Duff. Kennan's baby looks just like YOU. She looks like I remember Paige.

Oh, and YES, when Brooke escaped that was the worst moment of my life. How embarrassing to remember that, publically, in front of all my friends and fans and followers. ;)

And that was the best letter to the editor ever. YOU are such a good writer. You should start your own blog. It would rock!

I'm so happy to hear from you. Thanks for laughing and cheering. You da bomb!

xoxo

CRASH!

Heidi said...

Who the heck is Stephen and what makes him think he can wax philosophical on your blog? In the comments, no less? Sheez (dont' tell me he's your husband. Even if he is. Just don't.) I guess I read these last two posts in reverse order but I still lurved them. Both. In reverse order. Go figure.