How TV And Movies Have Added Extra Fun And Laughter To My Marriage

“Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” ~Oscar Wilde

How did it all start? The quick barbs my hubby and I often exchange. The ones that somehow evolved into a race to be the first one to blurt out a funny quote from a TV show or movie.

After all, we’re part of the TV generation.

We also grew up when it was common for parents to let their kids go to the movies unchaperoned.

When I was five, my mother drove my two older brothers and me and dropped us off at our local movie theater to see “Mary Poppins.” Today that’s unthinkable. If you did that, you’d probably risk someone reporting you to the DYFS child protection agency.

So hubby and I have stored up quite a collection of quotes over the years.

There are some couples that, after being married for a long time, begin to finish each other’s sentences. Instead, we use TV and movie quotes, written by accomplished writers as if they were our own. Many times we say them in unison, giving ourselves a good laugh.

Photo: Wikipedia

Early this morning, my husband commented on the “hairstyle” of my naturally curly, sometimes Don King-like-looking hair. At that time of day, it can look pretty scary before combing it and using some hair gel. He glanced at me and sarcastically said, “Your hair looks lovely.” My quick response was, “My hair is a gift and a curse.” The obsessive-compulsive TV detective Adrian Monk (from the series “Monk”) would be proud I used his line.

Faneuil Hall, Boston, 1977. I should have used hair gel in college. What was I thinking?

We’re constantly reusing clever witticisms, finding great pleasure in reusing humor that gave us a good chuckle when we first heard it.

Once when we were out to dinner with a group of friends, the conversation turned to gun control. The intensity of the topic became heated, and it wasn’t going well. I decided to inject a slight Hawkeye Pierce brilliance for levity:

“I will not carry a gun, Frank. When I got thrown into this war I had a clear understanding with the Pentagon: no guns. I’ll carry your books; I’ll carry a torch, I’ll carry a tune. I’ll carry on, carry over, carry forward, Cary Grant, cash and carry, carry me back to Old Virginia. I’ll even ‘hari-kari’ if you show me how, but I will not carry a gun!”

When I was finished, I could swear I heard the sound of crickets. Then suddenly, everyone exploded with laughter. It was a good segue.

There have been times when hubby and I are out with others, and we’ve uttered a familiar quote during the conversation. We pause, quickly glance across the table at each other and smile, knowing we’ve shared a secret known only between us. It’s always a sweet moment.

You may all collectively say “Aww” now.

Here are some lessons and laughter from the talents of many gifted writers we’ve come across over the years. I thank them for their carefully chosen words and for showing me that, indeed, life DOES imitate art:

Sexuality - (“The Golden Girls”):
Rose: “I don’t know what to wear on a cruise."
Blanche: "A life jacket and a great big smile.

Male Anatomy – (“My Favorite Year”):
(Alan Swann has blundered into the wrong restroom)
Lil: This is for ladies only!
Alan Swann: (unzipping his fly) So is this, Ma’am. But every now and then I have to
run a little water through it.”

Sensationalism in Journalism: - (“His Girl Friday”):
Walter Burns: “Look, I don’t care if there’s a million dead. No, no, junk the Polish Corridor. Take all those Miss America pictures off page six. Take Hitler and stick him on the funny pages. No, no, leave the rooster story alone. That’s human interest."

The Bible – (“The History of the World”):
Moses: “G-d has given us these Fifteen – (after dropping one of the tablets) – Oy - Ten Commandments!”

Diet – (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”)
Rhoda: “I don’t know why I should even bother to eat this. I should just apply it directly to my hips.

Woody Allen’s Point of View on Sex – (“Annie Hall”)
Alvy Singer: “It’s mental masturbation!”
Annie Hall: “And you would know all about THAT, wouldn’t you?”
Alvy Singer: “Hey, don’t knock masturbation! It’s sex with someone you love.”

Anxiety – (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show):
Mary: “Oh, Rhoda, chocolate doesn’t solve anything.”
Rhoda: “No, Mare. Cottage cheese solves nothing. Chocolate can do it all.”

What quotes do you remember and use from time to time?

April Is Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Month: Use Your Voice To Protect All Animals

Jordan, Max and Newton 2002

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and the ASPCA is urging supporters across the country to support their efforts to fight animal cruelty.

This post is dedicated to their efforts and to animal lovers everywhere who spend time-saving all animals from cruelty and danger.

Art Linkletter was right. Kids DO say the darnedest things. When my son was nine, he wanted to adopt a kitten. That’s when our world changed forever.

I don’t know if he wanted one because he loved animals or whether he yearned to have someone to play with. Whatever the reason, I thank him for his wisdom.

We never considered adopting anywhere other than our local shelter, where selfless volunteers provide loving care to any dog or cat, either in their meager two-room building or fostering them in their own homes until adoption.

Our first kitten, Max, was a 4-month-old orange tabby. He was joined four months later by Newton, a shy black and cream-colored tabby. Four years later, an abandoned gray and white cat appeared on our property (our home abuts several acres of woods.) Whitey became our third cat. Then came Smokey, a Russian blue who was rescued from the streets of Newark.

Whitey

Pets give unconditional love to young and old alike. They soothe our souls and are endlessly entertaining. They become part of our family by capturing our hearts.

Smokey

But the outside world can be a cruel place for animals. We hear stories of the abuse and neglect people inflict on them in shameful and horrific ways that are shocking and appalling.

My cousin, Gabrielle, is active in rescue efforts for her local German Shepherd rescue. Her love and patience show in helping with adoptions and adopting these beautiful animals herself. Look at her beautiful German Shepherd, Chance:

Chance

“He was believed to have endured terrible abuse and was found under the freeway with seven open wounds on his head that the vets think are likely from cattle prods. He had a symbol of sorts carved on his side and had several scars from cigar and cigarette burns on his hind legs. He was terrified and traumatized, and Heartworm Positive when he came home, and it took a LONG time to come out of his shell. With love, time, and patience, Chance's strength and courage that pulled him through the tough beginning showed up as a resilient, majestic dog. He never overcame his initial apprehension around new people or fear of unexpected noises.”

Sammy (before and after). Thanks to Red Bank Vet Clinic. Artwork by Janet Rombough

Sammy (before & after).Thanks to Red Bank Vet Clinic. Artwork by Janet Rombough

Then there's the story of Sammy, an incredibly neglected 13-year-old Cocker Spaniel whose owners claimed to have found him in a garbage bag on the side of the road.

Today, the couple faces multiple criminal charges of animal cruelty against Sammy. A court date is scheduled for May (check the “Sammy the Cocker Spaniel” Facebook page for updates.) Sammy has received an outpouring of love and medical attention from The Red Bank Veterinary Clinic in New Jersey.

New Jersey is one of 16 states that still considers animal abuse a misdemeanor, not a felony. To that end, over 27,000 people signed a petition calling for stricter sentencing. It will be presented to the prosecutor’s office before the trial of Sammy’s former owners. Please consider signing the petition.

Chance and Sammy are two examples of successful rescues. Not all animals are as fortunate. We must speak out and make it a federal crime in every state for acts of cruelty against animals. Let’s use our voices to speak up against animal abuse. Here are a few ways you can help put a stop to animal abuse:

Download this free app designed by ALDG Crime Tips to “report abuse and neglect of animals in your community right from your phone. Submit any incident's audio, video, picture, and GPS information straight to the nearest law enforcement authorities.”
Take a pledge to support an Animal Abuser Registry in your state. Help keep your community safe from animal abusers.
Sign up for alerts for animal advocacy (both state and federal) through The American Humane Association to protect the rights of all animals.
Visit the Patrick’s Law website, which is dedicated to protecting animals through legislation and advocacy. I highly recommend checking this site. As they say, “There is no excuse for animal abuse.”

Make a difference by helping our furry friends. Speak up now to change legislation. We owe them to do whatever it takes to stop animal abuse.

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Feel free to share this post with others. Click the REPLY button to leave a COMMENT. SUBSCRIBE by clicking on the SUBSCRIBE button. DISCLAIMER: Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained, and my posts are journalistic and not instead of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from using this blog or any data or links provided.

What Are You Doing This Weekend? How About A Baseball Movie?

Front cover of Jackie Robinson comic book (issue #5). Shows a head-and-shoulders portrait of Jackie Robinson in Brooklyn Dodgers. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What are you doing this weekend?

Growing up, baseball season meant rooting for the Dodgers. Dad went to Ebbetts Field every chance he could to see the Brooklyn team he loved. Our dinner conversation included names like Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, and Sandy Koufax. This weekend is the premiere of "42" about the life of Jackie Robinson and his historic entrance into the all-white sport of baseball. I may not see it this weekend, but I sure will see it soon!

Every year, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society holds fundraisers to raise money for research, self-help programs, advocacy, professional education, and countless other worthwhile programs. This weekend, my husband and I will be volunteering at WalkMS. As they say, "We come together one day a year to show the power of our connections."

I must become familiar with my new Breville juicer to begin my juicing program finally. Another learning curve for this boomer...

What are you doing this weekend? Whatever you do, make it a good one.

Facing Life's Challenges: Finding Your Inner Strength

Candle Meditation Tranquility Peace

"Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There's going to be stress in life, but it's your choice whether you let it affect you or not." ~Valerie Bertinelli

My cousin always tells me things happen how they are supposed to. I believe that's true. Things happen for a reason, and because they do, I’ve often contemplated what “the big picture is.” I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I’ll never know what the Big Plan is from the Person Upstairs. So I sit back and let it all play out.

Sometimes life throws us a curve, and we must face them as best as possible. Without the curves, we’d never recognize the beauty. Yet the curves can be tough ones to handle. They can make us feel sad, anxious, or fearful. We can feel lost in their midst and reach around to find some solid footing again.

Our spirit is tested during times of adversity. Will we wither and spin out of control or rely on our inner strength to pull us through?

Here are some ways I've found to help me during difficult and stressful times:

Friends and Family: Reach out to others who love and support you. I am blessed to have people who genuinely care about me, and I turn to them in good times and bad. People who love you will always be willing to listen.
Meditation: Meditating is exceptionally beneficial in calming your mind. Here’s a simple explanation of how to meditate. Wikihow: How to Meditate
Prayer: I find a short prayer always lifts my spirit. Putting a few words together can be powerful no matter who you pray to.
Journaling: Writing your thoughts in a journal can help calm your mind. I love the blog “Tiny Buddha.” Here is her blog post about journaling. Tiny Buddha: Journaling Tips
Exercise: Exercise is beneficial when dealing with stress. As The Mayo Clinic says, “Exercise is meditation in motion.” Here is their article on the relationship between exercise and stress. The Mayo Clinic: Exercise and Stress
Outlets: I watch old sitcoms (of course, M*A*S*H or The Mary Tyler Moore Show!), movies (my husband and I have watched “His Girl Friday” a zillion times), knit or read when I am facing a difficult situation. They calm my mind and distract any stressful thoughts.
Pets: Spending time with our beloved furry friends is a true blessing. They give us unconditional love. I am thankful that our wise son insisted we adopt our first cat when he was nine. Thanks, JT.

How do you handle stress and the challenges in your life?

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DISCLAIMER: Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained, and my posts are journalistic and not instead of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from using this blog or any data or links provided.

Healthy Living: How A Movie And A Juicer Started My Journey

"I'm up in the spotlight, oh does it feel right
The altitude seems to really get to me.
I'm up on the tightwire linked by life and the funeral pyre
Putting on a show for you to see." ~Leon Russell

The life of a blogger is a bit like walking a tightrope. You can choose to balance your steps toward safety, or you can take a leap of faith and blindly jump off the rope while praying you land safely.

I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind by jumping off the rope. I hope I land safely on my feet after writing about the one subject I never discuss: my weight.

I’ve never been thin or obese, yet I’ve never been comfortable with the way I look, whether I weighed 125 or 175 pounds. It's a matter of my perception; how I view myself and not necessarily how others view me.

I'm not looking to be on the cover of MORE magazine. I don't need to look like Christie Brinkley or Marisa Tomei. I'm enjoying the new career I've cultivated during the Second Chapter of my life. I simply want to be comfortable with how I look and feel.

I’ve always had a hate-hate relationship with dieting. I love all kinds of food; dieting has always meant the need to cut back on the love.

"The biggest seller is cookbooks and the second is diet books—how not to eat what you've just learned how to cook." ~Andy Rooney

Today I’m not looking for a diet. I’m looking for a new way of life.

My family’s genetics scares the hell out of me. That fear is the driving force behind waging an all-out war against gaining weight. It’s an uphill battle, and I’m determined to win the war.

Today I stand before you at 54 years old, going through menopause and living with Multiple Sclerosis. These two factors are enormous obstacles in my quest for better health.

"When we lose twenty pounds..we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty." ~Woody Allen

Recently, a Facebook friend told me to watch “”Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”, a documentary chronicling the life of Joe Cross, a 310 pound man on a mission to get healthy. We follow his journey across America, with his juicer and camera in tow, drinking only fruits and vegetables for 60 days. His hope was to lose weight while allowing his body to heal itself from a diagnosed autoimmune disease.

I highly recommend this movie. It’s educational and uplifting.

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead
Photo: www.drfuhrman.com

After watching the documentary I ordered the same Breville juicer Joe used. I then took a hard look at myself by asking, “Do I want to continue sailing through life not liking the way I look and feel?"

I decided to face my fear head-on by broaching my taboo subject during dinner. Out of nowhere I proclaimed, “I want to get healthier and lose weight.” I thought my husband and son would fall off of their chairs. I braced myself and waited for it. Nothing happened, except total silence.

Photo:www.comicbookmovie.com

What did happen was what I should have expected.

My husband quietly asked, “How can I help you?”

We spent time talking about healthy eating, exercises I enjoy doing and where could we buy organic fruits and vegetables in bulk. We already follow a healthy diet at home (much like Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Eating Well for Optimal Health”), yet I need to create my own eating plan (a/k/a portion control) according to my personal goals.

Photo:www.xpter.infoI

I reached out to a Facebook friend, Amanda, who I knew possessed a wealth of knowledge on healthy living. She was so inspirational (and profound) that I’d like to share her wisdom with you:

“Find things you really love to do, and just do them. Don't feel you have to do "such and such" to be fit. If you love to take walks, take walks, but don't get stuck thinking just because you can't do other things, it's useless. I think the main thing is to feel good about whatever you can do.

Then there's food. That is something you can control. So eat healthy. Consider yourself like an expensive car that only takes the best gas. Remember to tell yourself how great you are. Imagine you are an Olympic superstar, and tell yourself you can do anything. You can do anything. You can do anything.

You have to say it, read it, actually see the words. "I can do this. I can do this."

Powerful words.

I’m ready to take the next step toward creating a healthier lifestyle, while facing my personal weight demons. Like all of you, I want to live a life of quality in my fifties, sixties and many years beyond that.

Today really IS the first day of the rest of my life. Wish me luck!

I will close by offering you the advice of Dr. Christiane Northrup from her book “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom”:

“Nourishing yourself fully also involves understanding that your body’s metabolic processes are profoundly influenced by the following eight factors:

Emotional state
Genetic heritage
Cultural and family heritage
Macronutrient intake (proteins, fats, carbohydrates)
Micronutrient intake (vitamins and minerals)
Environment and relationships
Exercise habits
Food chi

Nourishing yourself optimally means paying attention to each of these areas.”

What healthy habits do you follow to feel and look good?

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DISCLAIMER: Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained and my posts are of a journalistic nature and not in lieu of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from the use of this blog or any data or links provided.

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