Now, you have to be a Monty Pyton fan to recognize the title of this post. I love Monty Python. This particular title comes from the wonderfully inane song that caps the movie "The Life of Brian."
The opening verse and chorus of this song seems so appropriate these days:
Some things in life are badThey can really make you madOther things just make you swear and curse.When you're chewing on life's gristleDon't grumble, give a whistleAnd this'll help things turn out for the best...And...always look on the bright side of life...Always look on the light side of life...
So, why would this song be running through my head--other than the obvious: it's such a delicious song fraught with incredible irony in the context of the film? Easy--this has been a r-e-a-l-l-y bad week in the financial world. Yet, what am I thinking? Always look on the bright side of life.
I was musing this week about what impact the tumbling financial system will have on my family. Of course it will have an impact--I am not naive. But, then I think--my parents lived through the Depression. My mother and father were both born in 1919, so they were approaching their teens in 1930. They grew up through the height of depression years. My dad's family even moved from Oklahoma to California in 1933--no, they were not part of the great migration caused by the Dust Bowl, but they were called "Okies" nevertheless. But they survived. My mother told me about making dresses from the flour sacks--many people did in those days. People also grew their food--and sometimes had single dish meals of whatever vegetable was available.
Perhaps it was having those remembrances in mind that caused me to announce to my husband the other evening--if I have to, I'll grow my own vegetables. We certainly got far away from a simpler approach to living.
At the same time I was contemplating taking up vegetable gardening once more, I also spent time thinking about whatever things are true.
These things are true:
Chardonnay autumn light-----------------------------
Late summer flowers in a fling of last blooming
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Autumn flowers in bright array
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Small birds, hidden, teasing with a chip, chip--then suddenly appearing to eat
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Cats in windows coveting same birds. . .
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20 comments:
I'm a Monty Python lover myself. I agree with you. We need to think of the things that give us joy and know that somehow all will be well. Nice post.
Worry will not change a thing so we might as well look for a silver lining in the dark cloud. Your pictures show some of the things which give us joy at very little cost. Lots of wisdom shared in this post.
What a nice entry. I really needed that tonight....thanks.
It's true, isn't it? Maybe we needed a wee dose of how much we have become a consumer society. I doubt many of us could take care of ourselves if we had to. It's been a sobering week. Love your truths and unexpected blessings... they are always there, but we just have to stop and see them. :c)
In spite of all the bad news this past week, I feel somewhat insulated from it as I still have my job and my retirement investments are in secure accounts. I feel reasonably certain that I could take care of myself (at least provide my own food), but I know there are many people who aren't as fortunate. I don't know what lessons will be learned from this, but I hope there will be some good that comes from it once the recovery starts.
A good reminder for these days.
I read your comment at Jean's about having the cat in your bed. I totally agree! After my husband died, my cat took her place beside me, under the covers. I wondered what she was thinking, if anything at all. She was a comfort to me.
How about Penn State! They've destroyed Wisconsin tonight. I thought there would be more of a battle. Michigan got beat!! Ha-ha! It will be interesting to see what happens in the Horseshoe.
Ella had on her Penn State outfit this morning. She knows how to respond to "We are...."
Thank you, Donna. Your post here is a breath of fresh air.
Let's turn off the news for a while and think of things constant and true.
In the late 1930's, my Mom wore dresses to school made of flour sacks.
I remember those times through my parents' stories.
Mary
Very nice post! It's important to think positively and try to live one day at a time! Really enjoyed your pictures, esp. the flowers, thanks for sharing! ..grew up on mountain top in central pa, graduated Penn State. Go PSU!!
Hey, thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog. Yes, the osprey and eagle pictures were taken in Bucks County outside of Philly!
:)
Ha - I love Monty Python! Nice post!
By the way, here are a few goofs that I've seen this week in actual newspaper articles:
--death nail instead of death knell
--amendable instead of amenable
It's nice to see a positive approach to our impending doom (just kidding). I do think staying positive is important, and appreciating (and giving thanks for) the beauty all around us, even more so. Thanks for a lovely post.
Hi again. You are right, I should have mentioned that the photo I used was by Diane Arbus. I knew I'd seem it but couldn't remember the name.
I think you are so right! You have a very bright outlook and it is reflected in this glum/cheery entry. :o) Glum is the news at the moment but on the cheery side, things can only get better? (I hope)
I loved the pics too. (I called over from AC's place)
Amen to that.
Thanks. I'm trying hard.
For all of you who commented (and those who didn't but agree)--keep repeating the All shall be Well prayer.
Did you see the stock market today? Now, I know--there's tomorrow. But keep saying it.
Welcome to Tina and Daffy--always nice to have new readers, and to find new blogs to read.
And welcome back to Natural Notes--hers was the first blog I ever read. If you've never stopped by, do--she has wonderful bird photos, and an occasional hair-raising bear story to tell.
And welcome to a somewhat new reader--Dog Geek--another lover of dogs, but you probably could have figured that out on your own.
I love autumn flowers and its great to add some arrangements to your home to bring some colour in as the darker nights draw ever closer. Unfortunately My husband does not share in my love of flowers and thinks they are a waste of money.
One of my all-time favorite movies. I can (and sometimes do) quote it for ours. It's a good reminder that we need to have a positive attitude. I've suggested getting chickens and a cow but my husband pointed out that if things get that bad, we'll lose the house anyway soooooooo . . . I'm not sure the garden will make a difference for us anyway. It's crazy times but panicking won't help. Enjoying the beauty that we can will help, however. Thanks again for the reminder.
Enjoyed looking over your blog and commentary. Newsweek this week has a turn on the people who only see the bright side.
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