Monday, November 29, 2010

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain”

Thanksgiving evening, I rented one of my all-time favorite films, The Wizard of Oz. I could instantly remember as a child, viewing this spectacular piece of celluloid on television, traditionally the weekend before every Thanksgiving. Isn’t it amazing how sometimes a film, music, and things such as aromas, have the power to instantly transport you back to a strong memory? All the members of my family would gather in the den eating popcorn and drinking coke; being just as excited to watch this film as we had been the year before. The only inconvenient thing about watching it on television, was that you never got the chance to rewind it and view certain scenes again, like you can now with a DVD. So it was even more special, because we only got to see it once a year. And the only pauses you got while viewing this film, were during the commercial breaks, whereupon everyone would RUN to the bathroom for a pee break and then RUN back to the television set, as not to miss a single second.

 Watching it again last week, made me feel like a little kid. I was all giddy and excited, anticipating these wonderful characters coming to life. I laid on the floor with my pillows and blanket, all cozy and warm on a cold and gray, rainy evening. It felt WONDERFUL! Today, I would like to highlight a bit of this magical film for you…..

Dorothy singing, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” No one sings it like Judy!

The Kansas tornado that blows Dorothy’s house into the sky.

 

The evil Miss Gulch riding by on her bicycle/broomstick. This part always scares the shit out of me!

Dorothy in Munchkinland.

Glenda, the Good Witch of the North. Secret: I always wanted BE her, so I could wear that faaaaaabulous dress!

I think I look much better than Billie Burke, don’t you? I’m too sexy for this dress!

The Wicked Witch of the West. She always reminded me of one particular member of my family. Especially her green face and cackling voice!

The Wicked Witch of the East, after being SQUASHED by Dorothy’s house.

Dorothy wearing the infamous Jimmy Choo Ruby Slippers.

Dorothy and her three traveling companions. The Lion (my favorite), the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man.

The great and powerful Oz.

A montage of Dorothy returning home; realizing she had the power to do so all along.

“There’s no place like home….there’s no place like home….”

If you have a chance this holiday season, please watch this beloved film. Not only is it entertaining and fun, but more so, I think it’s the message this story shares that is the real magic. The message that as an adult, I sometimes forget.

Everything I need, when it comes to guidance, knowledge, and true happiness, is always inside.

Right in my own backyard.

P.S. if you have some time this week, please view the short video clip of Judy Garland singing, Over the Rainbow on my sidebar. It will touch your heart.