Once
Perhaps a little more understanding of formative experiences will help you with the puzzled look on your face. You know, figuring out why some of this babble strikes so close to home. Why you, no matter where you are, have decided to continue reading the musings of a prototypical Midwestern housewife (with a day job even).
Growing up I always felt drawn to the arts. And by "arts" in Ohio we mean music, theater and film. I've always held a deep appreciation for anyone who could draw or create, The Makers as I call them, but that was never my strong suit. From an early age I was encouraged in school to sing, play instruments and act. This is where I want to focus and give some thanks, because teachers saved my life with this path and I'm forever grateful. My year in school had some of the most talented students. Making friends with some excellent artists and being challenged by others, and I'm better for it. I had grand ideas of being a songwriter or an actress, still might. This is what makes life better when you realize what adulting is and how hard it can be to get through the work day.
I'm seeing some of the fruits of my labor in my kids being recognized for their talents. Not reliving it necessarily, I don't take credit for their achievements because I'm not that self-absorbed. I do take a lot of satisfaction in seeing them enjoy music, good films and subjecting them to more than a few trips to the theater. That's where we tend to part ways in taste. I only hope that later on in life they might see the good that can come from supporting the arts community, or even staying a part of it.
I digress, so the story I want to focus on is a movie I saw in my early 30s because it was so impactful it made me feel like I was back in my teen years. Formative.
If you haven't seen Once (2006) just stop reading and go watch. If you come back, great. If not, I'm cool with that. You will be better for it. Glen Hansard's vocals will take you on a journey, you may buy a ticket to Dublin or go get a guitar so you can finally start learning to play and not have time for any more blog reading. The point is this, the story is simple but the music is transformative. I can't count how many times I've come back to listen to Falling Slowly and watch them master the song seemingly in real time. Talk about Makers...
The movie is a little gritty, depends WAY too much on male overconfidence and a heavy dose of bigotry, but Marketa Irglova is such a treasure. It's real, and gives hope to anyone who wants to be a creator or sees themselves as more than a day job.
It keeps you dreaming, or might take you back to when you had dreams. That's a precious gift.
Til the last drop - N
