Lynn M. Dixon's Blog, page 41
February 3, 2018
February Love Month
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Love is always in the air,
For those who reach out and care.
Extend yourself to others,
With the warm love of mothers.
Draw out the best from people,
As if under a steeple.
The way is narrow and straight,
See each one as sacred bait.
Sharing wisdom, hugs and smiles,
To carry them through many miles!
Lynn M. February 3, 2018
January 27, 2018
The Darkest Hour
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Reading Clementine Churchill by Sonia Purnell a couple of years ago sparked an interest in seeing the new movie called Darkest Hour. Purnell gave a well-researched and intimate look at this loving couple though it focused on Clementine’s role in her famous husband’s life. It further proved that there is usually a woman behind every great man. The book offered details of their daily lives so when I viewed the movie; I quietly agreed that Kristin Scott Thomas captured Clemmie’s essence.
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But more importantly, this movie showed the inner tickings of Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) as he wrestled with his new responsibility as Prime Minister of the UK at the height of the German invasions under Hitler. Churchill’s war cabinet wanted to negotiate with Germany in the face of terror, fear and the loss of many young soldiers.
Most of the movie pinpoints a few days in the month of May when he painstakingly weighed his options. Will he lead the country into eternal servitude to a greater power? Will he buckle under the pressure because few believe in him or his rationale?
Clemmie soothes and reassures him and tells him that he has what it takes. King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) finally lets Churchill know that he has his full support though other key members of Parliament doubt his judgment. And then, he decides to ask the people. There is a memorable scene of Churchill getting on the subway and actually talking with the everyday working people. Though shocked to see him, he opens up a conversation and they all vow that they should never surrender.
He writes a speech with the help of his dutiful typist Elizabeth Layton (Lily James) and the movie ends with him giving a major speech. The rest, they say, is history.
I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes by Winston Churchill. “If you are going through hell, keep going.” He kept going and I think that Gary Oldman could possibly be taking home a little gold statue called Oscar!
Lynn M. January 27, 2018
January 20, 2018
Rolling Forward!
2018 has jolted us to life! So much seems to be happening on so many different levels. We do not have time to close our mouths over one shocker before something else comes along that jars us even further awake.
It is comparable to that spank that doctors once gave the newborn child to hear the first cry. Nowadays, they massage the baby’s bottom to make sure that the child is awake and has indeed crossed over into the land of the living.
I recently read a novel called Ghana Must Go and it spoke on the African belief about the birth of twins. Author Taiye Selasi said that the first one comes in this new world, looks around and then lets the other one know if it is worth the journey.
I could not believe it when I read it because I had already written about the birth of twins in my last novella called Gardens of Green. Similarly, a set of twins is born and one makes it but the other does not survive. I was spiritually attuned and did not know it at the time. This world would have been too much for the weaker twin, so he opted out.
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But we are already here in the midst of this jolting January so we have to lean in as these many things roll across the screens of our television sets. We cannot afford to take our eyes off of the ball. We should cleave to hope in an effort to keep it alive and paddle on through. Hopefully, things will ease up and settle down as we propel ourselves forward!
Lynn M. January 20, 2018
January 14, 2018
Persevere!
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“Justice rides a slow horse but it always overtakes.” This was one of my mother’s favorite quotes and it is perfect during this MLK, Jr. weekend.
What is justice? Who gets it? Justice comes for those who can wait it out and see things through. Winston Churchill reminds us, “If you are going through hell, keep on going.”
So as we wait for the tide to change, here are a host of reminders and affirmations that we can read or write to help us stay filled with expectancy.
Persevere!
Hang in there!
Hold on!
Grab ahold and don’t let go!
Don’t give up!
Don’t give in!
Hang tight!
Change is coming!
Only believe!
Keep the faith!
Be encouraged!
Cling to hope!
Justice prevails!
We can use some of these as we swim through our challenges and struggle to remain buoyant and stay afloat until we reach sturdier and safer shores. When we feel weary or disconcerted, we can remember those who marched, cried and toiled before our time. They too questioned whether things would ever change.
As we enjoy this longer weekend and pay homage to the life of Dr. King, we can feel quite certain that justice will be served. Though the horse may travel slowly in our lives, if we prevail, we will see him overtaking all of the mishaps. He will then appear in all of his glory saddled with that good news!
Lynn M. January 13, 2018
January 6, 2018
An Unbeatable Combination!
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When I entered the theatre to see the premiere showing of The Post, it was almost filled to capacity. I had to sit closer to the screen than I like, but I knew that I was in for a real treat. With Steven Spielberg at the helm and Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks as the lead actors, I knew that this was an unbeatable combination; yet I was unsure of the exact story line.
This movie takes place in 1971, at the height of the Vietnam War. Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep) has to decide whether to publish parts of the Pentagon Papers which revealed classified information about past presidential involvement. Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) is the executive editor and they have to see if they want to face a possible legal battle with the courts. Their competitor, The New York Times, has already faced a court injunction for a similar story and The Post has to carefully weigh its options.
Katharine Graham has been left in charge of the paper after her husband’s demise and many on the Board are afraid that they could possibly face jail time. So much is at stake for all of the staff workers along with their families and The Post’s investors. What will she decide to do?
The actual production of the news story has started. Writers have written copies on antiquated typewriters; copy editors have edited the text for errors; blueprints have been drawn and the intricate task of setting type by the lithographers has taken place.
But then, Mrs. Graham gets a knock on the door after they discover that one of their sources may have also colluded with The New York Times. Many are sorely afraid of the consequences and they try to change her mind and halt the publication of the story. Yet, with a short span of hesitation, she reminds them that she is the boss and says it is a go.
The huge newspaper presses are fired up and they roll. A few key players grab a savored copy while it is hot off of the press with the smell of fresh ink. Everybody involved had to work to the beat of a ticking clock to meet that deadline.
Then workers are seen bundling the papers, tying them in stacks and loading them onto trucks which will put them into newspaper boxes. Young paperboys will be getting up in the wee hours of the morning to pitch those copies onto the lawns of subscribers.
The Washington Post shared what they had discovered, won in the courts and went on to become a respected and well-known paper that still exists today. It was a nostalgic look at a marked time in our history that led to even greater ground-breaking reporting! This is a must-see movie for the baby boomers and those coming behind who want to witness journalism at its best!
Lynn M. January 6, 2018
December 30, 2017
Christmas with Christopher Plummer & Carrie Fisher!
[image error]I recently saw two movies during this winter holiday season. First, I saw All the Money in the World. I was inspired to do so after seeing an interview with Christopher Plummer. He took Kevin Spacey’s place at the midnight hour as J. Paul Getty. He is now 88 years old and he had only a few days to do the filming so that it could make the Christmas Day deadline.
Of course, we all loved him as Captain Von Trapp in the beloved film The Sound of Music. Interestingly, he had no love for the movie or the character that he played but it is that part as the family patriarch for which he is most remembered.
Christopher Plummer was superb in his performance as the miserly oil tycoon, J. Paul Getty. Most of the movie focused on the kidnapping of his grandson in Italy at the age of 16. Plummer was quite convincing as one who held on very tightly to his purse strings. He was shown with his laundry hanging in the hotel bathroom that he had washed by hand as opposed to paying the staff.
His grandson was held for several months by his captors before Getty paid the ransom and the teen severely suffered during the ordeal. Surely, there will be an Oscar buzz for Christopher Plummer’s classic acting and for Michelle Williams, who played Gail, young Getty’s desperate mother. Also, Mark Wahlberg was fantastic as Fletcher Chase, an advisor to both Gail and Getty.
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Secondly, I went to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The instant battles jarred me awake during this early morning viewing. There was constant conflict between the forces and I had a bit of a time keeping up with all of the characters. There were many in the cast but the sound effects and high-levels of creativity kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed the many twists and turns of the plot.
I felt frustrated at times and I then remembered my real reason for coming to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi. I had enjoyed other Star Wars movies but this was my personal time to say goodbye to Carrie Fisher. It would be the last time to see her as Lela- this time as Lela Organa. She was smooth, reserved and mature in her role and she appeared to have found some inner secret to life’s mysteries. She had evolved from the anxious voice that had written Postcards from the Edge many years ago.
At the end of the movie, it was apparent that the Jedi would survive after being engaged in multiple battles with the forces of darkness. The children had witnessed it all and some were already emulating Luke Skywalker. There was hope.
Christopher Plummer and Carrie Fisher were my incentives for seeing both movies. As a result, I learned about the Getty history while the stage designs and props from Star Wars showcased the power of imaginative minds.
It was a grand opportunity to see the golden-aged Christopher Plummer plunge into a great, impromptu role and a chance to get a final wink from Carrie Fisher who is still speaking to us from the other side. Both actors helped my Christmas break shine even more brightly!
Lynn M. December 30, 2017
Christmas with Christopher & Carrie!
[image error]I recently saw two movies during this winter holiday season. First, I saw All the Money in the World. I was inspired to do so after seeing an interview with Christopher Plummer. He took Kevin Spacey’s place at the midnight hour as J. Paul Getty. He is now 88 years old and he had only a few days to do the filming so that it could make the Christmas Day deadline.
Of course, we all loved him as Captain Von Trapp in the beloved film The Sound of Music. Interestingly, he had no love for the movie or the character that he played but it is that part as the family patriarch for which he is most remembered.
Christopher Plummer was superb in his performance as the miserly oil tycoon, J. Paul Getty. Most of the movie focused on the kidnapping of his grandson in Italy at the age of 16. Plummer was quite convincing as one who held on very tightly to his purse strings. He was shown with his laundry hanging in the hotel bathroom that he had washed by hand as opposed to paying the staff.
His grandson was held for several months by his captors before Getty paid the ransom and the teen severely suffered during the ordeal. Surely, there will be an Oscar buzz for Christopher Plummer’s classic acting and for Michelle Williams, who played Gail, young Getty’s desperate mother. Also, Mark Wahlberg was fantastic as Fletcher Chase, an advisor to both Gail and Getty.
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Secondly, I went to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The instant battles jarred me awake during this early morning viewing. There was constant conflict between the forces and I had a bit of a time keeping up with all of the characters. There were many in the cast but the sound effects and high-levels of creativity kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed the many twists and turns of the plot.
I felt frustrated at times and I then remembered my real reason for coming to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi. I had enjoyed other Star Wars movies but this was my personal time to say goodbye to Carrie Fisher. It would be the last time to see her as Lela- this time as Lela Organa. She was smooth, reserved and mature in her role and she appeared to have found some inner secret to life’s mysteries. She had evolved from the anxious voice that had written Postcards from the Edge many years ago.
At the end of the movie, it was apparent that the Jedi would survive after being engaged in multiple battles with the forces of darkness. The children had witnessed it all and some were already emulating Luke Skywalker. There was hope.
Christopher Plummer and Carrie Fisher were my incentives for seeing both movies. As a result, I learned about the Getty history while the stage designs and props from Star Wars showcased the power of imaginative minds.
It was a grand opportunity to see the golden-aged Christopher Plummer plunge into a great, impromptu role and a chance to get a final wink from Carrie Fisher who is still speaking to us from the other side. Both actors helped my Christmas break shine even more brightly!
Lynn M. December 30, 2017
December 23, 2017
Shining the Light!
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During the most wonderful time of the year, we should let our lights shine and pierce the darkness. All of us come into adulthood with many preconceived notions on a variety of topics. We bring our attitudes and beliefs with us from what we learned from our childhood days.
We have unconsciously formed opinions based on what we heard or overheard in our family homes. We may not realize what has seeped down into our consciousness or psyche until something disturbing appears in our lives.
It has probably manifested itself from our deep-seated, hidden scars that have been tucked away from our sight or public view. And then, “Pop!” It shows up and we are forced to deal with it. We may have to go back through many rooms or take a proverbial time capsule back to an earlier time in our lives.
Then, we must become quiet and still. If we listen very closely, those old negative voices will be re-heard. Eventually, we might say, ”Aha! There you are. You must go!” Then, during this sainted time of the year, we should start a deep cleanse. We can scrub and peel off more layers of darkness. We realize that we have been roaming around in the dark long enough.
We locate the light switch and turn on the light. The darkness flees. The Christ light shines in every corner and we forge ahead. We can walk on a more lighted path with a thankful heart that we can now see our way!
Lynn M. December 23, 2017
December 16, 2017
Grow and Glow!
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Plants reach, cling and gravitate towards the light for survival. As spiritual beings, we do the same things hoping that some light will be shed on our lives as we look for our purpose, true mission and divine assignments.
We were all put here to accomplish or contribute something unique because we are one of a kind and there are no duplications. We were intricately designed and put here to be a part of a larger plan
If we are lucky, we will be fortunate enough to leave positive marks behind for the next generations to follow. So, it is our task to find out what we were put her to do and which gifts we can utilize as we work on our paths.
Clearly, parents know their children and they often see their talents early in life . They can readily see which ones are potential athletes or actors from watching their children’s preferences as they play. But as adults, things may become a bit hazy as we move through life with its many twists and turns.
Sometimes, we take on various types of work to keep afloat and in the humdrum of everyday life, we may forget what we really love to do. Confucius says, “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.” If we can become still enough and remember those childhood favorite things, we will probably remember what it is that we really loved doing back in those days.
If was sketching, perhaps we can still create a comic strip to make others laugh. If was painting, then we can visit the art store and pick up a new set of brushes. If it was taking things apart and reassembling them, then we can go to a Makerspace class at the local library and meet other builders with like minds.
It is our challenge to find our niche. Once we have found it, we should dig in and give it all we’ve got. Then, we can truly grow and glow!
Lynn M. December 16, 2017
December 9, 2017
Our Journeys!
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Maya Angelou wrote a book called Wouldn’t Take Nothing for the Journey Now which shared parts of her illustrious life. When we reflect on our lives, we should be in agreement with her and show gratitude for what we have already received.
As we walk our reflective journeys toward the close of the year, we collect our thoughts. If we are honest, we can recount our big and small, yet superfluous blessings. Past wonders will flourish forth as we realize that quiet angels softly whispered in our ears telling us which way to go at many given times.
We may have spoken a quick thanks in our hurried daily movements but have we really taken time to give adequate thanks? Have we acknowledged all of the things that we have been saved from? Visible and unseen forces have rushed to our assistance and nudged us back onto the right paths when we’ve veered off.
We know that we are imperfect beings and either our lack of information or understanding may have steered us into dangerous zones. As the old adage goes, “If I’d known better, I would have done better.”
But thank goodness Divine Intervention interceded while we were out there navigating those choppy waters. Once our feet are on dry ground again and we can see our way, we stop and catch our breaths. Eventually, we will see the titillating gains shining through and we can audibly sigh, “I wouldn’t take nothing for the journey!”
Lynn M. December 9, 2017
