The Book Is Always Better
I took my kids to see the new Harry Potter movie tonight, despite having about 150 pages left myself until I finish Order of the Phoenix (Book 5 for you Muggles who aren't caught up to speed on this). While the film was good -- and I won't spoil it for any of you -- it really did lack the depth of the story played out in the book.
I think that's often the case with movies made into books (did anyone see the disastrous Eragon?). And it's often the case with shortcutting life. I just don't believe in it. I don't believe you can get results that way.
Modern life seems all about shortcuts. People who indulge in these obviously have never tried to learn to play an instrument. You cannot play a fiddle tune like Bruce Molsky, until you practice like Bruce Molsky. You cannot clear your mind and practice mindfulness until you've tried a few times to put all the thoughts out of your head and hear the breathing. You cannot cast a spell like Albus Dumbledore until you spend the better part of your life practicing and sometimes, messing up.
You can't just get what you want with a flick of the wand, a snap of your fingers, a click of the button.
I like to savor life like I savor a good book, a live concert, a glass of wine, a new tune, an evening with friends. I lreally like to savor getting better at fiddling or singing or playing on my mando a new (to me) tune. These things, these moments, you can't just whip up out of thin air. It does not "just work" as some folks expect.
It ain't easy. If you are paying attention, there's a whole lot going on in the world, and it's easy to let your own life slip away while balancing the needs of those around you, staying involved with the world, and trying to just get through every day.
But you still have to write the book. Your parents started your story and you get to finish it. And it's your life story, regardless of who else turns up in it.
So write your book of life, and enjoy every page. No cliff notes. Every day the real deal, however it is to be written. And no peeking at the ending.
(But if you want a soundtrack, that's ok. This tune from the amazing Ginny Hawker and Hazel Dickens could probably make a few lists, I'm guessing.)
Times Are Not What They Used To Be
posted by Mando Mama @ 9:12 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Turn off your mind, relax
and float down stream
It is not dying
It is not dying
Lay down all thought
Surrender to the void
It is shining
It is shining
That you may see
The meaning of within
It is being
It is being
That love is all
And love is everyone
It is knowing
It is knowing
That ignorance and hate
May mourn the dead
It is believing
It is believing
But listen to the
color of your dreams
It is not living
It is not living
Or play the game
existence to the end
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Of the beginning
Nice sound track item, "tomorrow," I might have to dig that one out and listen...that's from Revolver I do believe?
Very true.
Here's to hoping that book 7 lives up to our expectations...
E
I got my Book 7 and am about 200+ pages into it now (wanting to get through it before someone spoils it for me). We are big fans of the Harry Potter books, not so much the movies, as you say, they can't live up. Eragon looks bad, not sure if we will even rent it. Lord of the Rings though, the books and movies are both magnificent in their own ways. Not the same type of experience, watching and reading, but we love both the books and movies.
HP Book 7 is going to be a compelling reason to slack, I must admit. When I get through it, the reason will be gone and it will be back to the grind.
Hi Blueberry,
I wondered how it was going! Our Book 7 is due to arrive Monday or Tuesday. We did enjoy the movie. I actually enjoyed reading Eragon which is what made the movie so disappointing (don't bother with the rental, you'll want to lay in traffic).
Meanwhile I haven't finished book 5 yet and would have tonight if I hadn't been at the Cleveland Orchestra concert at Blossom -- composer Howard Shore conducting the LOTR symphony. It was beautiful, but, believe it or not, it was longer than any of the movies. ;-)
GLAD you are SLACKIN at least a little.
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