Lynn M. Dixon's Blog, page 39
June 2, 2018
Beam On!
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Have you ever felt like you’ve just scaled a mountain? Or perhaps, you may feel as if you’ve been running like there is no tomorrow? Either way, at some point, you have to stop and take a station break, so to speak.
And then, you turn and look back and when you see how far you have come, what you were able to do and how far you have moved forward, you simply say, “Wow!” Then, you can Cash In, the title of a song by the great Phoebe Snow.
You can take all of the chips that you have gathered and as you count the stockpiles, you can hear the cash register ring cha-ching. There are monetary gains yes, but there are so many other assets. There may be new friendships and associations formed or new skill sets added on as you unconsciously prepare for your next level.
Then you pause again and see that it’s time for a little self-indulgence. You may not be where you want to be but when you really get still, you can express gratitude and sigh, “It is enough. I have enough. I am enough.”
So you smile softly knowing that you shot your best shot. You have let your light shine. You then take the time to repair your mind, body and soul. You know that yes, the battles of life have taken their tolls but the rewards are immeasurable.
You realize that every wrinkle was bought with a price along with all of the other changes that come from walking this earth over time. W. Herbert Brewster, a Southern poet, wrote a poem called “Be Proud of Your Wounds and Scars.” Accepting life as it comes and presents itself, you just beam on quietly knowing that you gave it all you had!
Push the arrow and listen to the talented Phoebe Snow sing Cash In!
Lynn M. June 2, 2018
May 26, 2018
Waiting for Godot: A Play
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Waiting for Godot is a play that has haunted me over the years. I first read it in college some years ago and there were times in my life when I too felt like I was waiting for Godot. When I heard that the Shakespeare Theatre in Chicago was staging it, I felt that I had to see it. I cannot ever recall hearing about its staging so I immediately bought a ticket. And even more ideally, it was being shown in the day during the week. That made this enterprise that much more appealing.
Going to Navy Pier on the weekend is a feat in itself and certainly at this time of the year. So a weekday trip to this busy landmark sounded like a win-win invitation. The gods were on my side because the day proved to be bright, sunny and dry, a rare gem for the city of Chicago. Everything fell into place and parking proved to be a breeze to match the picturesque day.
People in the audience were talking and I heard one gentleman say that Samuel Beckett, the playwright, was born in Ireland and later moved to Paris, France. However, he kept a dual citizenship and Paris was where Waiting for Godot was first staged. To add to the flavor of the day, the actors were from the Druid Theatre Company out of Dublin, Ireland. Their witticisms and Irish brogues helped set the tone for the play.
I re-read Godot the prior week to refresh my memory and possibly see why I never forgot this play. It is basically about two men who are waiting by a tree for this mysterious Mr. Godot. They think that he can save them from their uneventful lives but he never shows up.
I thought of the many times that I thought some other person could bail me out or fix some problem, only to be disappointed. Over and over, I learned that I had to paddle my own canoe. Or, I discovered that my demigod was in worse shape than I was and could never deliver the goods anyway.
I digress. In the play, Estragon (Gogo) and Vladimir are two homeless men in tattered clothes. Their friendship is about all that they have to sustain them. They contemplate suicide often as they see themselves as insignificant people. Even a boy messenger who tells them that Mr. Godot is not coming does not remember meeting them from the day before when he came to deliver the same message.
They pass the time to lighten the day and the actors from the Druid Theatre Company chose to act out a few playful antics to add laughter to the otherwise pathos. At times, they reminded me of a Laurel and Hardy duo as they used various shenanigans to entertain us.
Two other men, Pozzo and Lucky enter the scene by the tree and they bring their own brand of excitement. Lucky is led by a long rope and is being whipped by Pozzo who is arrogant, abusive and self-righteous. He is quite proud and thinks rather highly of himself and says that they are trespassing on his property. He has a few perks like a cigar, meat and a special stool which indicate that he is a wealthy man.
Lucky, on the other hand, shockingly raises his head, after putting on his hat and delivers a long, somewhat nonsensical discourse on mankind. He represents a man who probably was once brilliant but has allowed life to beat him down into servitude. His level of degradation even shocks Estragon and Vladimir. They feel that they can at least stand upright and see that they are indeed quite dignified compared to Lucky.
Yet, the next day, these same two characters stumble into their area again and the high-minded Pozzo is now blind and unable to stand without assistance. He has fallen as low as Lucky and it all happened so quickly which fits the old adage, “Up today, down tomorrow.”
The play ends with Estragon and Vladimir still waiting for Godot. They vow to bring a rope to hang themselves but they doubt that the small tree can even support them. They continue to wait for Godot to save them or plan to find a way to end it all.
Though I looked up others’ analyses of the play, here is what I think Beckett was saying to us all. It speaks volumes about the condition of man. Today, we still see those who feel as if their lives don’t matter and have lost all hope; those who sneer down their noses at others only to need their help in a short time and those who have been beaten down so low that they rarely lift their heads to enjoy the sun. Yet, we know that it can all change rather quickly just as the new leaves appeared overnight on the tree.
As we left the theatre, we mentioned the difference in how the Americans and Irish pronounce Godot- the illusive Godot. This timeless play is a great conversation piece. I am happy to have had the opportunity to see it staged by a group of fine actors. It was simply astounding on all levels!
Lynn M. May 26, 2018
May 19, 2018
The Life of the Party: A Movie Review
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The Life of the Party starring Melissa McCarthy was a little wild and even a tad risqué but enjoyable. In the movie, Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) returns to college to finish out her last year some twenty years after leaving to get married. Her husband abruptly asks for a divorce and she is blindsided. But after brooding, she decides to join her daughter on the campus of her alma mater.
Her daughter Maddie (Molly Gordon) isn’t thrilled with the idea but after she gives her mom a makeover, Deanna begins to blend in and even becomes a valued part of the younger set. Through a host of adventures such as partying, drinking, joining a sorority and even making out with a fraternity brother, she soon forgets her woes as she moves ahead to complete her Archaeology degree.
There were quite a few laughs and there were even some great scenes of revenge when Deanna encounters her ex-husband and his intended. It was a good way to escape into another world and as I was driving home and reflecting on the movie, it dawned on me that there were quite a few similarities to my own life.
At the end of the film, I recalled that my mother and I had also attended college together. She was a senior and I was a freshman. I used to say, “Hi, Ma,” in the hallway. And later, we taught on two of the same college campuses and marched as faculty together.
So, when Deanna and daughter were clothed in their graduation regalia, I was reminded of how fortunate I was to have had such an amazing experience. During this month of honoring our mothers, I pause and recall the lines from a famous gospel song that say, “Precious memories. Oh how they linger!”
Lynn M. May 19, 2018
May 13, 2018
In A Gilded Cage: A Book Review
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Rhy Bowen’s In A Gilded Cage caught my eye on the library shelf because of the woman’s fashionable dress on the cover. I checked it out and after reading the first few lines, I knew that I was in for a treat. It was written in first person and that immediately drew me in as I listened to what Molly Murphy had to share with me.
It takes place in New York in 1918 during the women’s suffrage movement and Molly’s tone was light and amusing. I packed my bags and traveled back into this historical era when women were standing up for the right to vote.
Molly Murphy has her own small detective agency and she is asked to join her neighbors Sid and Gus on a walk in the Easter Parade. But the Vassar graduates have a secret mission and they plan to wear banners for Women’s Right to Vote across their dresses.
Needless to say, this does not go over well with the police and all of the women are arrested. Molly, though from Ireland, has the chance to meet many of the prominent women who all attended Vassar College. Thus, she meets Fanny and Emily who both become the main focus of the story.
The women are surprised to know that Molly Murphy is indeed a detective and her affiliation with the police captain helps them get out of jail without spending a night. Daniel is Molly’s intended and helps her on several occasions.
Both Fanny and Emily hire Molly Murphy for private reasons. Fanny suspects her husband of cheating in a long-standing affair and Emily is not sure of her parentage and possible inheritance. Her uncle is less than honest yet quite wealthy while she struggles to make ends meet while working for a pharmacist.
Then, the tide changes when three of the Vassar women die a similar and mysterious death. It seems like influenza but there are other odd symptoms like hair loss and vomiting.
Who wants these society women dead? What are the ties that bind? Why are they a threat? As Molly tirelessly works to get to the heart of the matters, Emily is spared though Fanny is not as fortunate. They Molly and Daniel put their heads together and act as a dynamic duel. The shocking murderer is revealed.
As in life, there are many twists and turns along with false leads but as the saying goes, “There are no secrets in the Book of Life.” Read In a Gilded Cage and be reminded that all that glitters is truly not gold!
Lynn M. May 12, 2018
May 12, 2018
Fresh May!
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Oh, the beauty of fresh May,
Smells of newness, we all say.
Ah! At last we surely know,
Warm spring breezes make us glow.
Endured winter’s frosty crust,
Now propelled forth with a thrust.
Into this calming, green May,
Planting smiles throughout the day!
Lynn M. May 12, 2018
May 5, 2018
Soft Landings
[image error]Have you ever felt as if you were a juggler as you tried to manage all of the pins being shoved your way? If so, you understand why the jugglers don’t take their eyes off of the pins because one wrong move can cause the whole game to come crashing down!
Life is like that as you try to keep it together or keep on keeping on. It is comparable to watching a dog jump through hoops or a skilled track and field sprinter clear those hurdles in a timely manner.
But if there is huge slip-up, it’s just like an opponent in a chess game calling out “Checkmate.” You then know that the game is over. There is no other recourse other than to simply start over, if given the chance.
There is a children’s story called Anansi the Spider and Anansi was prone to trouble; yet, his six sons often saved him. Each son used his unique gift to successfully rescue their father as the brothers worked as a team.
On one occasion, they had to save Anansi from a huge falcon. After Anansi was freed from the mouth of the bird, he fell towards the ground. His youngest son, Cushion, then positioned himself so that his father landed on his back. Cushion offered a buffer and and helped his father have a proverbial soft landing.
So, the next time that you find yourself in the middle of running a challenging race, remember that in the end, the most you can hope for is a smooth landing. Later, when you have time to reflect and let out a big sigh of relief, you can lean on the words of Shakespeare. He wrote, “All’s well that ends well!”
Lynn M. May 5, 2018
April 28, 2018
Old Treasures!
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As we hurry through our lives at breakneck speeds, we often forget some of those simple pleasures that once brought us comfort. We continually gather the new things and pile them on top of our already collected goods until we have tall totem poles of stuff.
We may eventually realize that we indeed have a plethora of gains and in a few moments of stillness, we might have a chance uncover some of those beloved items at the bottom of the barrel. It’s comparable to cleaning out a drawer and rediscovering a favorite blouse or snugly pair of pajamas.
As clarity returns to us when we slow down, we begin to remember other things that once brought us joy. It could be a classical radio station that we once found rewarding, a gospel CD that has been tucked away or a radio talk show that we had forgotten during our frenetic paces.
Old books that we once enjoyed could catch our attention and we may revisit them. Or we might pull out the paint brushes and therapeutically finish a poem that we started on a piece of stretched canvas.
After completing several high-paced projects, we take the time to draw back the heavy curtains of our personal stages and notice those things that we once cherished. We hear ourselves say, “Oh yeah,” as we remember how much peace a sauna or pool brought us.
Or, we may decide to replace those old ballet shoes that we enjoyed wearing around the house for increased balance. It is the small things that bring us the most happiness if we only take the time to remember them.
We should shuffle around those possessions that we already own or jog our memories to recall what once brought us peace in the past. When the cream has risen to the top along with our smiles, we can make a pointed effort to restock our treasure troves of joy!
Lynn M. April 28, 2018
April 21, 2018
Rest!
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Everything comes to a rest after being in motion. Musicians learn to read the rest signs on musical scores. Trains, cars and airplanes come to a stop to unload and reload passengers or perhaps they have come to the end of their destined routes.
Birds stop flying to eat, regather and get their directions. They may need to confer with the leader who is flying the point and see the new plan. But they still have to come down to the ground to have that communication.
Wise ones know that in order to make good choices, they must descend from the mountains of high activity. Then, they can come to a low valley point and simply stop. As they rest, they can reflect, reassess, analyze and decide on what needs to be done next. They can then create a new blueprint or action plan.
When the mind, body and soul are in one accord and all of the right tools are in place, they can emerge from those resting places. They are then fired up and ready to go on. They may have had to put everything and everyone on hold but now, they can have continued success. Then they are recharged, replenished and as all systems are set to go, they can assertively, dive in!
Lynn M. April 21, 2018
April 14, 2018
Root-Bound No More
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The other day I was teaching a unit on New Plants to a group of first graders. I thought of the many parables and parallels about life that were tucked in this lesson. It basically said that plants need air, water and space.
I thought about my own fascination with gardens. Those of us with a green thumb know that it all starts with a tiny seed that is deeply planted in fertilized soil. Yet, if properly nurtured, those tiny seeds grow into rows and rows of bountiful beauty.
Just like the plants, we also need plenty of air. One of the first recommendations of our physicians and metaphysicians is, “Get plenty of fresh air!” A breath of fresh air not only fills our lungs but it changes our thoughts. A brisk walk in the elements whether sun, rain or wind is a sure-fired method of solving a problem. A mental light bulb will invariably pop on and new perspectives are likely to emerge during a walk.
We need light too and the sun usually brings a smile to most of our faces. It is a welcome source that inspires us to enjoy daily living. If we have been sitting in the dark for too long, we realize what we have been missing once we open the blinds and pull back the curtains. That emitted light speedily brings us closer to better health. We can see that the glass is truly more full than empty.
And lastly, we definitely need space. When plants stop growing we pull them out of their old pots and see that they have become root-bound. The roots are all crowded together and there is no room for them to stretch their proverbial new wings. So, we get a larger pot and make room for the new growth.
We may feel the walls of constriction are closing in on us but it is usually a sign that it is time to move on up higher. Like the plants, we have been unconsciously growing. There is a saying that says, “Your growing is showing!” So, as the process dictates, we must move on to airy, light-filled, spacious places as we drink from even fresher fountains!
Lynn M. April 14, 2018
April 8, 2018
Happy April!
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In April umbrellas go up,
As frequent rainstorms do erupt!
Flower buds push forward with force,
Leaning on the sun for its source.
It’s Poetry Month for thirty days,
Poems lift us from that humdrum haze.
Birds chirp and celebrate the earth,
Setting the tone for widespread mirth!
Lynn M. April 8, 2018
