So far it is proving remarkably easy to have Birthday Month treats each day. Yesterday’s was in the form of a DVD. Mr Holland’s Opus has to be on my list of favourite feel-good films – the kind of film that makes you feel good about yourself and the world. And let’s face it, the way the world is just now we all need good news and particularly anything which offers hope for the future.
Richard Dreyfus gives a remarkable performance in this 1995 film. The plot begins with him as a budding composer who takes a job as a High School teacher as a way to save up towards a hoped-for sabbatical of full-time composing. Life being as it is things do not work out according to plan, however, in time his gifts as a teacher become evident and affect many of his student’s lives. His development as a parent and husband are examined honestly and critically, yet without cynicism or over-maudlin sentimentality.
I don’t want to spoil the way things are revealed in the film, but will say that hope and renewal are integral parts of the whole. You may well have seen it – if so I would be interested to know what you think – especially when it comes to the exercise of examining our own lives for qualities that make a difference to those around us. I found myself looking back over what for me are almost a series of lifetimes, wondering just wondering who will remember me……. But that’s a post for another day.
I loved this movie! And I think every individual should see it and think about how we deal with life’s disappointments both in our individual passions and dreams as well as in our relationships with the people closest to us. Applications of creativity and persistence are needed in both, regularly, even when it seems hopeless. Uh oh. . . I have departed the movie now and wandered into some areas where I wished I had been more persistent in experimenting with and applying creative glue to some relationships.
P.S. About your birthday month: Do you celebrate the whole calendar month or starting from birthdate? I know that is not a biggie detail, but I need a refresher on the whole idea. I thought I might borrow your idea this year, but birthday has gone by. Maybe next year. It seems such an innovative way to practice being kind to yourself. In your role as a minister, I would guess that your had to have strategies to “refuel” spiritually, emotionally and physically due to the nature of the giving that ministers do. Have a great weekend as you continue your birthday month.
Yes, that is a wonderful movie! I’ve enjoyed seeing it several times. I will look forward to that other post, because I’ve thought about it, too. I don’t think so much about “who” but I wonder “what” people will remember about me. I’ve written my life story for my kids and grandkids, and I am curious as to how they will see me as they read it. I’ve been pretty honest. I want them to know who I am, how I became. We’ll see. chuckle! Or rather, THEY will see!
you are Birthday Princess all moonth!
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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What a great idea to treat yourself all month. I think I’ll do that next year (if I remember).
LC, the Birthday Month treats happen each day in the whole month (My birthday is not actually until nearer the end of the month.) It has become a tradition, or rather, indulgence over the years of my blog. It started as a bit of whimsy and has become a reason to look for something special in each day.
Cloudia, the Birthday Princess is a wonderful idea!
http://www.all-insight.com/gluten-free-of-charge-cake-and-desserts/ Thanks for that awesome posting. It saved MUCH time 🙂