Going to the movie theater and renting movies are two things that bring Leah and I joy. Leah worked at Hollywood Video many moons ago (RIP movie stores, especially Blockbuster) and she thoroughly enjoyed helping organize the rows of movies. She really loves when things are in order. I was the younger sister who used to sneak into her room and move picture frames an inch over and then giggle as I watched her re-adjust everything from my room.
Alas, the world of renting movies has drastically changed. Digital renting/streaming is confusing and far less gratifying for Leah. I’m with her on this, so when we discovered renting movies from the library, we felt like we struck gold.
One of the first movies we rented was the Won’t You Be My Neighbor documentary on Fred Rogers. We didn’t watch his show growing up, but something about him immediately drew Leah in. About a month later, she found another gem tucked away on the shelves: Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting. Yahtzee.
For the past few years, Leah has been drawn to Bob Ross and we would often find her streaming The Joy of Painting on Hulu. His calm voice, happy trees, and joyous presence captivated her. It always made me smile. When she found the physical copies of the Bob Ross series at the library, Leah hit the jackpot. We checked them out immediately.
The last movie that Leah and I went to see before the pandemic was A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood where Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers. Ol’ Freddy was showing up in my life again. We saw it months after it was originally released at the Westwood Cinema for $2 each. It was excellent.
As we all know, movie theaters and libraries and so many other places that bring us joy are closed right now. I was just informed that public pools probably won’t open this summer. A summer without swimming pools? Well that’s just a gigantic bummer of a summer.
I love the ways the world is getting creative, but I think it’s really starting to get to us all.
When I was thinking of what to write about this week, Fred Rogers and Bob Ross kept coming to mind. They were two public figures who had become a bigger part of my life right before COVID happened.
How would they be doing right now?
I wish they were still around to help us through this. Mister Rogers would be the master of changing out of “work clothes” into “home clothes” even if he was in the same house all day long. Bob would for sure be hosting Zoom painting sessions. They both would find ways to choose joy.
Whenever Leah and I talk about why she enjoys watching these two, she says, “I really like how they talk.” She has always been drawn towards certain people. At their essence, these two people exude a calm goodness. They make us feel like it’s going to be okay.
I’m not sure what it is you need this month as we tackle more quarantine, but I hope you find your Fred Rogers and Bob Ross.
For you, it might help to start off your day with journaling. Or you might be more intentional about tuning in when your favorite musicians are hosting live concerts. Maybe it’s finding a better rhythm with your day that helps you separate work from play. When all else fails, Leah would recommend streaming The Joy of Painting on Hulu:).
There are two things Fred and Bob celebrated during their lives that we continue to see blossom through these strange weeks and months: the happy trees are looking happier and we are learning to be better neighbors. I think they’d be proud.
Here’s to turning our minds Upside Down.
So many ways in which Leah reminds me of my late son Steve. You could not touch ANYTHING in his room! He would know if it had been moved even the tiniest amount and rearrange. And of course he loved movies. I miss Mr. Rogers especially during these times. Like your sister, I like the way he talked.
I love these connections!! It blew my mind how she could tell the slightest differences. Nothing can get passed her! I’m going to share your message with Leah and have her reply this week when I see her! Stay well!